Scoti or Scotti is the generic name used by the Romans to describe those who sailed from Ireland to conduct raids on Roman Britain.

It is thus synonymous with the modern term Gaels.

In the fifth century, these raiders establish the kingdom of Dál Riata along the west coast of Scotland.

As this kingdom expands in size and influence, the name is applied to all its subjects—hence the modern terms Scot, Scottish and Scotland.