Table of Content
Scottish Americans have long played a prominent role in shaping the cultural, political, and technological landscape of the United States. From pioneering inventors and influential leaders to world-renowned entertainers, their Scottish heritage has often been a source of pride and inspiration. This list celebrates 25 of the most iconic Scottish Americans whose contributions have left a lasting legacy across various fields.
I. A Brief History of Scottish Americans
1607: The first Scots arrived in colonial America, including at Jamestown.
Late 1600s – 1775 : Major waves of immigration began, especially between 1717 and 1775 , when over 250,000 Scots-Irish —descendants of Lowland Scots who had settled in Northern Ireland—migrated to the American colonies.
By 1776 : At least nine signers of the Declaration of Independence were of Scottish descent, reflecting early Scottish influence on the founding of the United States.
1800s: Scottish immigration continued during the Industrial Revolution, especially after the Highland Clearances. Professionals and entrepreneurs—including the famed Andrew Carnegie, who arrived in 1848 —played major roles in shaping American industry.
20th Century: Scottish Americans served with distinction in both World Wars, contributing to military and civic life.
Beyond historical migration, Scottish Americans have made lasting cultural contributions to the U.S. They introduced Presbyterian values, a strong commitment to education, and a deep sense of community. Today, over 5 million Americans claim Scottish ancestry, while 27 million identify as Scots-Irish. Their heritage is kept alive through organizations like the St. Andrew’s Society of New York (founded in 1756) and popular celebrations such as Highland games, Tartan Day, and local Scottish festivals held across the country.
II. Top 25 Most Famous Scottish Americans of All Time
25. Andrew Carnegie
Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish American industrialist and philanthropist, was born in Scotland in 1835. He later moved to the United States with his family to pursue a better future. He began his career humbly as a bobbin boy in a cotton mill. Eventually, he rose to lead the rapid growth of the American steel industry in the late 19th century, becoming one of the wealthiest individuals in American history. Carnegie is most renowned for his extensive philanthropic work. He became a major benefactor not only in the United States but also in Great Britain and throughout the British Empire.
In the final 18 years of his life, he donated approximately $350 million—equivalent to $10.9 billion in 2024—representing nearly 90% of his wealth. His legacy includes establishing thousands of public libraries across the US, significantly transforming American education and literacy.
24. Taylor Swift
Taylor Alison Swift is a renowned American singer-songwriter who proudly acknowledges her Scottish heritage through her father’s lineage. Celebrated for her deeply personal songwriting, creative evolution across genres, and profound influence on popular culture, Swift is one of the best-selling music artists ever. She holds the remarkable achievement of having seven albums debut with over one million copies sold in their first week in the US. Additionally, she is the highest-grossing touring artist, the wealthiest female musician, and the first billionaire whose fortune stems primarily from music.
Beyond her musical accomplishments, Swift has made a significant mark as a public advocate. She has championed artists' rights, spoken out for gender equality, and encouraged political participation, positioning herself as a powerful voice and role model for young generations worldwide.
23. Donald Trump, 45th President of the United States
Donald Trump, born in Queens, New York 1946, served as the 45th President of the United States. His mother, Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, was born on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland, deeply tying him to Scottish heritage.
As President, Trump made significant changes in areas such as immigration, economic policy, and foreign affairs. He also reshaped the modern Republican Party and brought populist politics to the forefront of American discourse.
22. Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish, born in Los Angeles in 2001, quickly became a global sensation thanks to her distinctive sound, innovative style, and emotionally resonant lyrics. She has Scottish ancestry through her maternal lineage.
Eilish has amassed an impressive collection of honors, including two Academy Awards, nine Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, twenty Guinness World Records, seven MTV Video Music Awards, four Brit Awards, and two Golden Globe Awards.
Beyond her artistic achievements, Billie Eilish has been a vocal advocate for social issues such as climate change, women’s reproductive rights, and gender equality, establishing her as a powerful and influential voice among the younger generation.
21. Alexander Graham Bell
Alexander Graham Bell, originally from Scotland, was a Canadian-American inventor, scientist, and engineer best known for securing the patent for the first practical telephone. In 1885, he played a key role in founding the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T). Bell continued to innovate throughout his later years, making significant contributions to fields such as optical telecommunications, hydrofoil technology, and aeronautics. Additionally, he left a lasting impact on the National Geographic Society, both as an influential figure and as its second president from 1898 to 1903, during which he helped shape the direction of its renowned magazine.
20. Kristen Bell
Kristen Bell, born in Michigan in 1980, is an acclaimed actress with Scottish roots, proudly representing the legacy of Scots in America. She is best known for her roles in "Veronica Mars," "The Good Place," and for voicing Anna in Disney’s "Frozen." Bell is also a passionate advocate for mental health, animal rights, and environmental causes. Her approachable persona and activism have made her a beloved Hollywood figure.
19. Ted Stevens, U.S. Senator from Alaska
Ted Stevens, born in 1923 in Indiana, was a prominent US Senator with Scottish ancestry. He represented Alaska for over 40 years and played a key role in its development.
Stevens championed infrastructure and energy projects in Alaska, helping transform the state’s economy. The Anchorage airport bearing his name honors his enduring contributions.
18. Ewan McGregor
Ewan Gordon McGregor is a Scottish-born actor who later became a US citizen while proudly maintaining strong connections to his Scottish roots. He gained international acclaim for his standout performances in films such as Trainspotting, Moulin Rouge!, and the Star Wars saga. In 2017, McGregor earned a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Miniseries or Television Film for his dual performance as Ray and Emmit Stussy in the third season of Fargo. He returned to the Star Wars universe in the 2022 miniseries Obi-Wan Kenobi.
He received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor for his role as fashion designer Halston in the 2021 miniseries Halston. In recognition of his contributions to drama and charitable work, McGregor was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2013. Beyond his film career, he has played a significant role in promoting Scottish culture worldwide. He has actively supported humanitarian efforts, including his long-standing involvement with UNICEF UK since 2004.
17. Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey, born Elizabeth Woolridge Grant in New York, has Scottish ancestry, contributing to her Celtic mystique. Her melancholic sound and vintage style made her a global sensation.
She has redefined modern music with poetic lyrics and cinematic compositions, influencing both indie and mainstream artists worldwide.
16. John C. Stennis, U.S. Senator from Mississippi
John C. Stennis, a distinguished Scottish American, served as a US Senator for over 40 years. Born in Mississippi in 1901, he had Scottish roots that influenced his perseverance and public service values.
Stennis was known for his strong national defense stance and helped shape modern military policy. The US Navy aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis is named in his honor.
15. Jessica Simpson
Jessica Simpson, born in Texas in 1980, is a pop singer, actress, and fashion mogul with Scottish ancestry. She rose to fame in the early 2000s with a string of pop hits.
Beyond her music career, Simpson built a billion-dollar fashion empire and authored a bestselling memoir, proving her business acumen and cultural influence.
14. George W. Bush, 43rd President of the US.
George Walker Bush, born in Connecticut in 1946, is a Scottish American politician and businessman who served as the 43rd president of the United States from 2001 to 2009. Bush often spoke of the values inherited from his ancestry and how they influenced his leadership style.
His presidency was defined by significant events and policies, including the US response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Iraq War, and key domestic initiatives in education and healthcare.
Before his presidency, as governor of Texas, Bush championed significant reforms—advancing tort reform, boosting education funding, raising academic standards, and overhauling the criminal justice system. Under his leadership, Texas also became the top US state for wind-generated electricity. Throughout his time in office, Bush experienced some of the highest and lowest approval ratings in presidential history, reflecting his tenure's deeply impactful and often polarizing nature.
13. Rube Waddell
Rube Waddell, born in 1876, was a Scottish American baseball player known as one of the most colorful and unconventional figures in early 20th-century sports. Renowned for both his eccentric personality and remarkable pitching skills, Waddell captivated fans with a unique blend of showmanship and athletic talent. He possessed a blazing fastball, a sharply breaking curveball, a tricky screwball, and exceptional command on the mound. His strikeout-to-walk ratio was nearly 3-to-1, and he led the major leagues in strikeouts for six consecutive seasons—a remarkable feat for his era.
Waddell’s combination of raw talent and unpredictable behavior made him a baseball legend. His larger-than-life persona and dominant performances earned him a lasting place in the sport’s history, culminating in his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1946, where his legacy continues to be celebrated.
12. Kate Upton
Kate Upton, born in Michigan in 1992, is a model and actress with Scottish ancestry. She gained fame through her appearances in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue.
Upton has used her platform to advocate for body positivity and animal welfare. Her influence extends from the runway to social activism.
11. Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash, born in Arkansas in 1932, was a legendary Scottish American country music singer. His deep voice and somber songs made him unique in American music.
Cash’s songs about redemption, faith, and social justice earned him a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame and influenced generations of musicians.
10. Barack Obama, 44th President of the US.
Barack Obama, born in Hawaii in 1961, served as the 44th President of the United States. His maternal ancestry includes Scottish roots through the Dunham family line.
Obama’s presidency was historic, not just because of his policies but also because of his breaking of racial barriers. He advocated for healthcare reform, climate action, and international diplomacy.
9. Reese Witherspoon
Reese Witherspoon, born in Louisiana in 1976, is an Oscar-winning actress and entrepreneur with Scottish ancestry. Her Southern charm and acting skills won her global fame.
Witherspoon has championed women in media through her production company Hello Sunshine. Her efforts to amplify female voices have reshaped Hollywood.
8. Arnold Palmer
Arnold Palmer, born in Pennsylvania in 1929, was a Scottish American golf legend—an especially fitting heritage given the sport’s origins in Scotland.
Palmer popularized golf in America and helped transform it into a televised sport. His charisma earned him the nickname “The King” of golf.
7. Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Senator from New York
Kirsten Gillibrand, born in 1966 in Albany, New York, is a US Senator known for her strong stance on women’s rights. Her family tree includes Scottish ancestry.
She has been a vocal advocate for military reform, paid family leave, and combating sexual harassment, positioning herself as a leader in modern American politics.
6. Julianne Moore
Julianne Moore, born in North Carolina in 1960, is an acclaimed actress with Scottish lineage through her mother. Her performances are known for emotional depth and authenticity.
Moore has won multiple awards and is an activist for gun safety and women’s rights. She continues to influence film and society alike.
5. Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley, born in Mississippi in 1935, was the King of Rock and Roll. His Scottish roots go back to his mother’s side.
Presley revolutionized music with his unique sound and stage presence. His cultural influence continues to resonate decades after his passing.
4. Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Downey Jr., born in New York in 1965, is best known for playing Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He has Scottish ancestry through his father’s line.
His comeback from personal struggles to global superstardom has inspired millions. Downey is also a tech and environmental advocate, expanding his impact beyond cinema.
3. Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the US.
Jimmy Carter, born in Georgia in 1924, served as the 39th President of the United States. He is the descendant of Scottish immigrants who settled in the American South.
Carter is celebrated for his post-presidency humanitarian work, mainly through the Carter Center, focusing on global health and peacebuilding.
2. Emma Stone
Emma Stone, born in Arizona in 1988, is an Oscar-winning actress known for her versatility. She has Scottish ancestry through her paternal side.
Stone has played influential roles in films like "La La Land" and "The Help" and uses her platform to support mental health awareness and gender equality.
1. Jeff Baxter
Jeff Baxter, born in Washington, D.C., in 1948, is a guitarist and defense consultant with Scottish ancestry. He played with Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers.
Beyond music, Baxter became an expert in missile defense, advising the US government—an unusual yet impactful career shift that highlights his diverse talents.
🔥 What makes Scottish American heritage so special? Discover the answer to this Scottish American Heritage Month 2025!
Conclusion
The legacy of Scots in America is woven into the very fabric of the United States, showcasing their remarkable contributions across various fields. The individuals listed above have paved the way for future generations, inspiring countless others to embrace their heritage while shaping American society. Celebrating their achievements helps us appreciate the rich history and influence of Scottish Americans throughout the years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines a Scottish American?
A Scottish American is someone in the US who has ancestral roots in Scotland, either through direct lineage or family heritage.
How many US presidents were Scottish?
An impressive 34 out of the 45 US presidents have Scottish roots—over 75% —with many believed to be of Ulster-Scots descent. From the very beginning of the nation’s history, Scotland has played a significant role in shaping American political leadership.
Which US state has the most Scottish immigrants?
The states with the highest numbers of residents claiming Scottish or Scotch-Irish ancestry include California, with 677,055 individuals—making up 1.7% of the state's population—and Texas, with 628,610 people, accounting for 2.8% of its population.
What religion are Scottish Americans?
The Scotch-Irish and Presbyterianism
Though traditionally linked to Presbyterianism, the Scotch-Irish have also been active in Methodist and Baptist communities.
Aimee Li
An author dedicated to exploring the rich history, vibrant culture,... of the Scottish clans. As an avid historian and fashion enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by Scotland's heritage and the timeless elegance of its traditional attire. Join me on this journey through the highlands and lowlands, as we delve into the heart of Scottish legacy together.
