What does Douglass mean and where does it come from?
Douglass is a variant of the surname Douglas, which has Scottish origins and traditionally means 'dark water' or 'dark stream'. In recent times, Douglass has been used as a first name, especially in the United States. The use of Douglass as a female name is less common but has been popularized by no
Cultural significance
Douglass has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the dark stream.
Peak popularity
Reached #4273 in 1935 — currently #10172 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Douglass?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Douglass?
Douglass works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Douglass Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Douglass John
One syllable · timeless choice
Douglass Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Douglass Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Douglass Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Douglass Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Douglass right now?
Falling — down 8407 spots — currently #10172 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2024 | #10172 | 7 | ▼ down 8407 · -98% births |
| 2023 | #1765 | 435 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2022 | #1770 | 415 | ▲ up 5 · +8% births |
| 2021 | #1775 | 385 | ▲ up 2498 · +7600% births |
| 1935 | #4273 | 5 | — |
The story of Douglass
Douglass entered American naming records in 1921 and has been in use for over 103 years. With 5,783 total births recorded, Douglass remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4273 in 1935 to #1765 in 2023. Douglass is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Douglass in 1935:
Douglass by decade
Douglass peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 13 | |
| 1890s | 11 | |
| 1900s | 26 | |
| 1910s | 247 | |
| 1920s | 413 | |
| 1930s | 486 | |
| 1940s | 875 | |
| 1950s ★ | 1,103 | |
| 1960s | 890 | |
| 1970s | 797 | |
| 1980s | 489 | |
| 1990s | 267 | |
| 2000s | 105 | |
| 2010s | 61 | |
| 2020s | 7 | |
💎With 5,783 total births, Douglass is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Douglass?
What names sound and feel like Douglass?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Douglass also consider these
How is Douglass written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Douglass
What does the name Douglass mean?
Douglass means "from the dark stream" — a name rooted in American 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 Douglass?
Douglass is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Douglass?
Douglass originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Douglass a common or rare name?
Douglass is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Douglass more of a girl or boy name?
Douglass is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.