Donald is a name of Scottish origin, meaning "powerful ruler". It was derived from the old Scottish Gaelic name Domhnall, which consisted of two elements: "dòmh" meaning "world" and "nal" meaning "proud". The name has been popular for centuries in Scotland, where it has been borne by several influential historical figures.
One of the most notable early bearers of the name was Donald II, who ruled as King of Alba (the medieval name for Scotland) from 889 to 900. He is credited with defending his kingdom against Viking invasions and played a significant role in unifying Scotland under one ruler.
Another famous Donald was Donald III, also known as Donald Ban ("of the White"), who reigned from 997 to 1034. He successfully resisted Norwegian attempts at conquest during his reign and is remembered for his strength and courage in defending his kingdom.
The name Donald continued to be popular throughout the Middle Ages and into modern times. Today, it remains a common choice among parents, particularly in Scotland but also internationally. While many people may associate the name with certain character traits or cultural references, its historical significance lies primarily in its long-standing use as a royal name in Scottish history.
"In the United States, the name Onald was given to five baby boys each year in 1969 according to data from the Social Security Administration. This figure represents a total of five newborns with this name since its introduction."