Douglas

“Scottish”

Scotland origin · Unisex name

♂ 100% boys♀ 0% girls

#744US 2023

354Births / yr

↑Rising

560.5kAll-time births

📅 Since 190400

How to pronounce Douglas

DUHGL·us

/ˈdəɡl.əs/ · stress on DUHGL · 2 syllables

“Scottish”

Scotland origin · Unisex name

What does Douglas mean and where does it come from?

Douglas is traditionally a male name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic 'Dubhglas', combining 'dubh' (black) and 'glais' (stream). However, in modern naming conventions, it has begun to be adopted as a female name, reflecting shifts in gender norms. Famous personalities with this name inclu

Cultural significance

Douglas has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of scottish.

Peak popularity

Reached #1305 in 1942 — currently #744 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Douglas?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Douglass

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Douglas?

Douglas works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Douglas Grace

How popular is Douglas right now?

Rising fast — up 85 spots — currently #744 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#744 · Top 0.55%

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#744	354	▲ up 85 · +18% births
2022	#829	299	▼ down 92 · -14% births
2021	#737	347	▲ up 5746 · +2569% births
1990	#6483	13	▼ down 3775 · -63% births
1985	#2708	35	▲ up 299 · +21% births
1980	#3007	29	▼ down 547 · -9% births
1975	#2460	32	▼ down 501 · -26% births
1970	#1959	43	▼ down 383 · -14% births
1965	#1576	50	▲ up 351 · +43% births
1960	#1927	35	▲ up 57 · +21% births
1955	#1984	29	▼ down 68 · +16% births
1950	#1916	25	▼ down 82 · +19% births
1945	#1834	21	▲ up 75 · +17% births
1940	#1909	18	▲ up 108 · +13% births
1935	#2017	16	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Douglas

Best Year2021Rank #737

Peak Count354

Average Rank#2082

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 202319 years

The story of Douglas

Douglas entered American naming records in 1904 and has been in use for over 120 years. Over 560K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2265 in 1915 to #744 in 2023. Douglas is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.

Names that peaked alongside Douglas in 1942:

Mary Barbara Patricia Linda Carol

Douglas by decade

Douglas peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	334
1890s	585
1900s	960
1910s	7,023
1920s	17,488
1930s	26,180
1940s	80,999
1950s ★	148,448
1960s	135,440
1970s	65,514
1980s	42,031
1990s	22,014
2000s	8,663
2010s	4,472
2020s	331

What are good nicknames for Douglas?

ENGLISH

Doug

What names sound and feel like Douglas?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Douglas also consider these

Doulgas

Scotland · A beloved name

Douglus

Scotland · Dark water

Dougles

Scotland · dark river

Duglas

Scotland · black stream

Scotland · world ruler

How is Douglas written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Douglas

What does the name Douglas mean?

Douglas means "Scottish" — a name rooted in Scotland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Douglas?

Douglas is currently ranked #744 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Douglas?

Douglas originates from Scotland tradition. Scotland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Douglas?

Douglas is a two-syllable name pronounced D AH1 G L AH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Douglas more of a girl or boy name?

Douglas is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.