Duncan

“dark warrior”

Scotland origin · Unisex name

♂ 100% boys♀ 0% girls

#930US 2023

244Births / yr

↓Falling

20.1kAll-time births

📅 Since 199600

How to pronounce Duncan

DUHNGK·un

/ˈdəŋk.ən/ · stress on DUHNGK · 2 syllables

“dark warrior”

Scotland origin · Unisex name

What does Duncan mean and where does it come from?

Duncan is traditionally a male name of Scottish origin (Donnchadh) and means 'dark warrior.' However, in contemporary times, it has also been adopted as a feminine name. The name holds historical significance due to its association with several Scottish kings and historical figures. Although predomi

Cultural significance

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

Peak popularity

Reached #11834 in 1996 — currently #930 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Duncan?

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

Duncan Grace

How popular is Duncan right now?

Declining — down 12 spots — currently #930 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2015–2023#930 · Top 0.69%

2015

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#930	244	▼ down 12 · -3% births
2022	#918	252	▲ up 98 · +17% births
2021	#1016	216	▲ up 15400 · +4220% births
2015	#16416	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Duncan

Best Year2022Rank #918

Peak Count252

Average Rank#4820

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range2015 - 20234 years

The story of Duncan

Duncan is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1996. A total of 20,125 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #16416 in 2015 to #930 in 2023. Duncan is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.

Names that peaked alongside Duncan in 1996:

Emily Jessica Ashley Sarah Samantha

Duncan by decade

Duncan peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	139
1890s	117
1900s	116
1910s	542
1920s	767
1930s	653
1940s	1,179
1950s	1,784
1960s	1,389
1970s	937
1980s	1,410
1990s ★	4,226
2000s	3,964
2010s	2,686
2020s	216

What are good nicknames for Duncan?

Common

DunDuUncan

What names sound and feel like Duncan?

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

Dunbar

Scotland · Scottish Gaelic

Ducan

French · A French name

Duncann

French · A French name

Dunstan

English · Town with a

Dustan

English · English

Tuscan

Italy · from Tuscany, a

Duban

American · Arabic

Durjan

French · A French name

How is Duncan written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Duncan

What does the name Duncan mean?

Duncan means "dark warrior" — 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 Duncan?

Duncan is currently ranked #930 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Duncan have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Duncan?

Duncan 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 Duncan?

Duncan is a two-syllable name pronounced D AH1 NG K AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Duncan trending right now?

Duncan is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.