Duncan name popularity, meaning and origin
Name Popularity: 63%
Duncan name meaning:
The name Duncan is of Scottish origin and has Gaelic roots. It is derived from the Gaelic name Donnchadh, which is composed of two elements: "donn" meaning "brown" or "dark," and "chadh" meaning "warrior" or "chief." Therefore, the name Duncan can be interpreted to mean "dark warrior" or "brown-haired chief."
The name Duncan carries connotations of strength, bravery, and leadership. It has a long history in Scotland and is associated with powerful figures, such as King Duncan I of Scotland, who ruled in the 11th century. The name also gained popularity through William Shakespeare's play Macbeth, where Duncan is portrayed as a wise and fair king. As a result, the name Duncan is often seen as regal and noble.
Parents who choose the name Duncan for their son may be drawn to its strong and masculine qualities, as well as its historical and literary associations. It is a name that can inspire confidence and command respect, making it a popular choice for parents seeking a name that exudes authority and charisma.
Origin: Celtic
Dark-skinned warrior.
Statistics
Overall UK ranking: 1782 out of 4789
13 recorded births last year
Change in rank
- 10yrs
-1001 - 5yrs
-701 - 1yr
-290
- Scotland (233)
Regional popularity
Ranking for this name in various UK regions
Historical popularity of Duncan
The graph below shows the popularity of the boys's name Duncan from all the UK baby name statistics available. It's a quick easy way to see the trend for Duncan in 2024