The surname Scott was originally given by the Romans to Gaelic raiders from Ireland. Scott is derived from the Old English pre 7th century word Scotti, or the Latin Scottus, meaning Irishman, specifically a Gael. Given the warlike conditions which applied in the English border counties the name was not always complimentary.
Scott can also be an ethnic or geographical name signifying a native from Scotland or a person who spoke Gaelic.
Variant forms: Scotto, Skeate, Scotus
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