Chloe, Amy, Lauren and Emma topped the list of the most popular girls' names registered in Scotland in 2000, according to the National Records of Scotland. Familiar favourites including Rebecca, Megan, Rachel and Hannah also proved hugely popular with parents.
Celebrity Influences on Name Choices
Chloe topped the list, and one famous Chloe who would have been familiar to film fans was American actress Chloe Sevigny. By 2000, she had already built a reputation as an acclaimed actress, appearing in films including Kids and Boys Don't Cry. Halfway through the year she appeared in American Psycho, a firm favourite of many.
The name Emma was also popular, sitting at number four on the Scottish list. One of the biggest Emmas around at the time was Emma Bunton, better known as Baby Spice from the Spice Girls. The group became extremely popular during the 1990s and their music, fashion and members remained hugely popular as the new millennium began.
Pop Groups and Hollywood Stars
Parents choosing Rachel and Hannah in 2000 could have been influenced by one of the biggest British pop groups of the era. Rachel Stevens and Hannah Spearritt were part of S Club 7, who exploded into the music scene in 1999. By 2000, the group were firmly established as one of the biggest names in British pop, with hits including S Club Party and Reach.
Meanwhile, Lucy ranked 12th on the list and had a major Hollywood connection. Lucy Liu was already a recognisable actress thanks to her role as Ling Woo in Ally McBeal. In 2000, she appeared alongside Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore in the film Charlie's Angels, making her one of the most recognisable Lucys on screen.
Trends and Traditional Names
The list also captures the rise of names that feel distinctly early 2000s. Megan, Caitlin, Erin, Sophie, Nicole, Courtney, Morgan, Eilidh, Niamh and Ellie all featured prominently, with names such as Jade, Holly, Zoe, Robyn and Taylor beginning to rise on the list. However, traditional Scottish names were still present too, with Kirsty, Iona, Mhairi and Morven all appearing on the top 100 list.
For children born in 2000, the world was very different. Mobile phones were becoming increasingly common and shows such as Popstars, Big Brother and The X Factor would soon become major parts of popular culture. While nobody could have predicted just how much the world would change over the next decade, the baby names chosen at the time show a glimpse into Scotland at the start of the new millennium.
More than 25 years later, many of these names remain popular with parents, with names such as Chloe, Georgia, Skye and Ellie featuring in the top girl names of 2025. The article is part of a series covering Scotland's baby name history decade by decade, with the most popular boys' names from the 60s, 70s and 80s already covered.
