Meaning & History
Sawney is a Scots diminutive of Alexander, historically used as a nickname for a Scotsman in English slang. The name derives from the Scottish Gaelic form Alasdair (anglicized Alistair), with Sawney coming from the last syllables of the name. It was formerly common in Lowland Scotland alongside variants like Sandie or Sanders.
Etymology
Alexander ultimately comes from the Greek name Alexandros, meaning "defending men" (from Greek alexo "to defend" and aner "man"). It spread through the conquests of Alexander the Great and was borne by multiple kings, saints, and historic figures.
Historical Context
After the Union of the Crowns in 1603, when James VI of Scotland became James I of England, many English people looked down on the Scottish. Sawney emerged as a pejorative term, used by Samuel Johnson (himself a Scotophobe, though his father was a Scottish bookseller) to caricature Scots. Over time, the name shed its offensive edge, but its usage as a given name declined to near-extinction by the 20th century.
Cultural Significance
Sawney has largely been replaced by Jock as the standard slang for Scots in Britain. Though well-attested in historical literature, it is now principally a curiosity. References include the Australian song "Said Sandy to Sawney" and the legendary cannibal Sawney Bean, though this may be a fictional folk figure.
- Meaning: Diminutive of Alexander
- Origin: Scots Gaelic via Greek
- Type: Diminutive, nickname
- Usage: Historically in Scotland and England
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Sawney