Douglas
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What does the baby name Douglas mean? Learn about what Douglas means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.
Douglas - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
- Spelling of Douglas
- D-O-U-G-L-A-S, is a 7-letter male given name.
- Pronunciation of Douglas
- DUG-ləs
- Meaning of Douglas
- Dark stream or dark river, black blue, the dark waters, flowing from the dark river, dark river, dark stream.
- Origin of Douglas
- The name 'Douglas' originates from Scotland and has its roots in the Gaelic language. It is derived from the Gaelic words 'dubh' meaning 'dark' or 'black' and 'glas' meaning 'stream' or 'waterfall'. Combining these two elements, the name 'Douglas' can be interpreted as 'dark water' or 'black stream'.
The earliest known use of the name 'Douglas' can be traced back to the 13th century in Scotland. It was primarily used as a surname, belonging to a powerful Scottish clan known as Clan 'Douglas'. The members of this clan were renowned for their bravery, military prowess, and loyalty to their leaders. - American Names
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- Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Douglas
- Doug
- Dougal
- Dougie
- Doyle
- Dubhglas
- Dugaid
- Dugald
- Popularity of Douglas
- The popularity of the name 'Douglas' has fluctuated over time. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it experienced a notable spike in usage, particularly in English-speaking countries. This can be attributed to the influence of prominent individuals who bore the name, such as 'Douglas' MacArthur, a highly respected American military general.
However, in recent decades, the popularity of the name 'Douglas' has declined. It is no longer as commonly chosen for newborns as it once was. Nevertheless, it continues to maintain a sense of timeless charm and dignity. - Douglas currently has 166 likes, and is in the top 3% of liked boy's names. The name Fox is slightly more popular than Douglas.
Etymology of Douglas
The etymology of the name 'Douglas' can be traced back to its Gaelic roots. The word 'dubh' signifies darkness or blackness, while 'glas' refers to a stream or waterfall. This combination of elements creates a vivid image of a dark, flowing body of water, evoking a sense of mystery and power.
Cultural Significance of Douglas
The name 'Douglas' holds particular cultural significance in Scotland, where it originated. It is associated with the Clan 'Douglas', a powerful and influential Scottish clan that played a significant role in the country's history. Members of Clan 'Douglas' were known for their valor in battle and their unwavering loyalty to their leaders.
In addition to its Scottish roots, the name 'Douglas' also carries cultural significance in other English-speaking countries. It is often associated with traits such as strength, resilience, and honor, making it a popular choice for fictional characters in literature and film.