Meaning, origin, history
Donald is a name of Scottish origin that means "proud chief". It is derived from the Old Gaelic name Domhnall, which is composed of the elements "dòmhnaich" meaning "worldwide" or "universal", and "-ll" meaning "chief".
The name Donald has been used in Scotland for centuries, with the first recorded use being in the 12th century. It was a popular name among the Scottish nobility, with several kings of Scotland bearing the name, including Donald II who ruled from 889 to 900.
Donald also has connections to Irish and Norse mythology. In Irish legend, Donald is one of the names of the hero known as Donn, while in Norse mythology, Donald is associated with the god Thor, who was sometimes called Thondar or Thunder-Donald.
Today, Donald remains a popular name in Scotland and around the world. It has been worn by many notable figures throughout history, including American presidents Donald Trump and Donald Duck, the famous cartoon character created by Walt Disney. However, despite these connections to politics and pop culture, the name Donald stands independently as a strong and proud Scottish name with its own rich history and meaning.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Donald since 1880
Total births
1,413,982
Total since 1880
Peak year
1934
30,408 births
in 2023
414
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-17%
↘
vs previous 5 years