The name Douglas is of Scottish origin and has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the surname "Dugald," which was originally an Old Gaelic personal name composed of elements meaning "dark" or "black" and "strife." The name was borne by several prominent figures in Scottish history, including Douglas, Lord of Galloway, who played a significant role in the Wars of Independence against England.
The name Douglas became widely used as a given name in Scotland during the 18th century. It eventually spread to other English-speaking countries and gained popularity throughout the world. Today, it is often associated with notable individuals such as Douglas Fairbanks Jr., an American actor, and Douglas MacArthur, a prominent U.S. Army general.
In terms of meaning, the name Douglas does not have a specific definition, but it has been interpreted in various ways over time. Some sources suggest that it means "black water" or "dark river," possibly referring to the River Douglas in Scotland. Others believe it means "from the dark stream" or "from the gloomy water."
Overall, the name Douglas is steeped in history and has a unique origin story that sets it apart from many other names. Its meaning may be open to interpretation, but its Scottish heritage and association with notable figures make it an enduring and memorable choice for a child's name.
The statistics provided show the annual births of the name Douglas in the United States from 1880 to 2023.
From 1880 to around 1910, the number of babies named Douglas fluctuated between approximately 16 and 350 births per year. However, starting in 1912, there was a significant increase in popularity, with over 350 births recorded that year.
The peak in popularity for the name Douglas occurred in the mid-20th century. Between 1942 and 1964, there were more than 10,000 babies named Douglas each year, with a high of 14,702 births in 1954.
After this peak, the popularity of the name began to decline. From 1965 onwards, the number of babies named Douglas decreased steadily, dropping below 5,000 births per year by 1980. This trend continued into the 21st century, with fewer than 500 babies named Douglas each year from 2007 to 2023.
In total, between 1880 and 2023, there were 559,410 babies named Douglas born in the United States. Despite its decline in recent years, Douglas remains a name with a rich history of popularity throughout much of the 20th century.