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Duncan Boy

Popularity: #731 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationDUN-kin / /ˈdʌŋ.kɪn/

Scottish; Gaelic

Meaning

Scottish: dark warrior; Gaelic: brown warrior

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Duncan has its roots in the Gaelic language, derived from the Old Gaelic "Donnchadh," which is composed of the elements "donn," meaning "brown" or "dark," and "chadh," which translates to "warrior" or "fighter." This etymological foundation reflects a common practice in Gaelic naming conventions, where names often denote physical characteristics or attributes associated with strength and valor. The name entered the English language through the influence of Scottish culture, particularly during the medieval period when Gaelic names were adopted into English-speaking communities in Scotland and beyond.

Historically, the name Duncan is most famously associated with Duncan I of Scotland, who reigned in the early 11th century and is often depicted in literature, notably in William Shakespeare's tragedy "Macbeth" (1606). Shakespeare's portrayal of Duncan as a noble and virtuous king has contributed to the name's enduring legacy in literature and culture. Additionally, the name appears in various historical texts and chronicles, including the "Annals of the Four Masters," which document significant events in Irish and Scottish history.

Culturally, Duncan has been embraced in various forms of art and literature, symbolizing nobility and leadership. The name has also been associated with several saints, including Saint Duncan, who is venerated in certain Christian traditions. The diminutive form "Dunk" has emerged in some contexts, reflecting a more informal or affectionate usage of the name. Overall, Duncan's historical significance and cultural associations have contributed to its lasting presence in the English-speaking world.

Trend Summary

Duncan has seen fluctuating popularity in the U.S., peaking in the early 2000s.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Dunk
  • Dunc

International Variants

  • Donato (Italian)
  • Duncan (English)

Famous people named Duncan

Duncan Jones is a filmmaker best known for Moon, Source Code, and Warcraft.

Duncan Hines is a businessman best known for his brand of food products and restaurant guidebooks.

Duncan McLeod is a fictional character best known as the protagonist of the Highlander franchise.

Duncan Trussell is a comedian and podcaster best known for The Duncan Trussell Family Hour and his appearances on Joe Rogan's podcast.

Fictional characters named Duncan

Duncan Idaho is a fictional character from the science fiction novel Dune. He is a skilled swordsman and loyal protector of House Atreides, playing a crucial role in the story's events.

Duncan is a fictional character from the animated series DuckTales. He is a member of the Beagle Boys, a group of bumbling criminals who frequently attempt to steal from Scrooge McDuck.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Duncan was first seen in the United States in 1880. Duncan has ranked as high as #686 nationally, which occurred in 1997, and has been most popular in California, New York, Texas, Michigan, and Massachusetts. In the past 5 years the name Duncan has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Duncan (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 15
12%
NY 13
10%
VA 11
9%
UT 10
8%
IL 9
7%
CA 8
6%
OH 8
6%
MN 7
6%
OR 6
5%
IN 6
5%
PA 6
5%
MI 6
5%
TN 6
5%
MO 5
4%
NC 5
4%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188012
188112
188212
188318
188410
188514
188612
188718
188815
188916
18909
189110
189219
189310
189410
189514
189614
18978
189813
189910
190017
19017
190211
190316
190416
190512
190611
190712
190814
191014
191125
191246
191347
191453
191570
191666
191768
191881
191972
192086
192175
192282
192372
192477
192586
192672
192757
192889
192971
193067
193164
193266
193361
193453
193567
193668
193771
193869
193967
194087
1941101
1942117
1943106
1944102
1945114
1946120
1947158
1948133
1949140
1950133
1951138
1952141
1953149
1954157
1955145
1956178
1957208
1958282
1959253
1960174
1961145
1962142
1963263
1964154
1965126
1966106
196784
196898
196997
1970134
197195
197285
1973121
197486
197585
197683
197776
197886
197985
198099
198185
198294
1983132
1984137
1985164
1986162
1987163
1988170
1989209
1990190
1991235
1992260
1993326
1994388
1995456
1996505
1997644
1998641
1999576
2000530
2001500
2002472
2003421
2004402
2005359
2006351
2007288
2008324
2009318
2010329
2011275
2012263
2013262
2014287
2015294
2016286
2017251
2018235
2019205
2020217
2021216
2022252
2023244
2024194