Meaning, origin, history
Duncan is a Scottish masculine given name of Gaelic origin. It is derived from the Celtic word "Donn Cu" which means "dark warrior". The name has been associated with the legendary High King of Scotland, Duncan I, who ruled from 1034 to 1040. According to medieval chronicles, Duncan was a just and brave ruler who fought against Viking invasions. However, his reign was short-lived as he was eventually killed by his cousin Macbeth in 1040. Despite this tragic end, the name Duncan has remained popular throughout Scottish history and continues to be used today. In literature, the name is perhaps most famously associated with Shakespeare's tragedy "Macbeth", where Duncan appears as the tragic hero-king.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Duncan since 1880
Total births
11
Total since 1880
Peak year
1996
6 births
in 2015
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-100%
↘
vs previous 5 years