Definition & Meaning of "bairn"in English

What does "bairn" mean in Scottish and Northern English slang?

It is used in Scotland, Northern England (especially Northumberland, Durham, and Yorkshire), and parts of Ireland, to mean a child, either a son or daughter. People typically say "The bairns are playing outside" or "He's a bonny bairn." The term originated in Old English and Old Norse ("barn"), remained in Northern British dialects while disappearing from Southern English, and remains a strong marker of Scottish and Northern English identity.