Douglas
Douglas is a boy's name of Scottish origin.
Meaning
Dark stream or black water.
Origin and history
Douglas originates from Scottish Gaelic, derived from a place name meaning dark stream. Historically prominent as a Scottish surname and clan name, it transitioned into a popular given name throughout the English-speaking world. In the United States, it was exceptionally common during the mid-20th century and remains a familiar traditional name today.
Popularity in the United States
560,013 babies in the United States have been named Douglas since 1880. It ranks #59 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #745.
States where it is most popular
- NY (8.1 %)
- CA (7.7 %)
- OH (6.8 %)
- MI (6.2 %)
- PA (5.3 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 334 |
| 1890-1900 | 585 |
| 1900-1910 | 950 |
| 1910-1920 | 6,908 |
| 1920-1930 | 17,301 |
| 1930-1940 | 26,031 |
| 1940-1950 | 80,760 |
| 1950-1960 | 148,205 |
| 1960-1970 | 134,989 |
| 1970-1980 | 65,155 |
| 1980-1990 | 41,746 |
| 1990-2000 | 21,972 |
| 2000-2010 | 8,661 |
| 2010-2019 | 4,487 |
| 2020-2029 | 1,929 |
Famous people named Douglas
- Douglas MacArthur: Military Officer, General of the Army
- Douglas Adams: Author, Screenwriter
- Douglas Fairbanks: Actor, Producer
Nicknames
Doug, Dougie
Fun facts
- Clan Douglas was one of the most powerful and influential aristocratic families in medieval Scotland.
- Douglas ranked among the top 20 most popular names for boys in the United States during the 1940s.