Holding steady.
Popularity of Doug since 1918
Babies named Doug per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 11 |
| 1920s | 39 |
| 1930s | 340 |
| 1940s | 2,326 |
| 1950s | 5,348 |
| 1960s | 11,892 |
| 1970s | 1,918 |
| 1980s | 388 |
| 1990s | 111 |
| 2000s | 55 |
| 2010s | 34 |
| 2020s | 6 |
Meaning & origin
Doug is the clipped form of Douglas, a Scottish surname turned given name meaning 'dark stranger.' The name saw its greatest popularity in the mid-20th century, peaking in 1962, and has since declined. In 2025, it did not rank among the top 1000 names in the United States, reflecting a broader shift away from mid-century favorites. The trajectory of Doug's usage has been stable in recent years, with a 1960s decade association that may appeal to those seeking a retro, approachable choice. Although historically tied to strong Scottish and Irish roots, Doug has become a familiar, friendly American classic.
Doug is a short form of Douglas, a Scottish surname derived from the Gaelic elements dubh meaning 'dark, black' and glas meaning 'stream, water' (or possibly 'green'). The name originally referred to a place near the Douglas Water in Lanarkshire. As a given name, it gained popularity in the 20th century, especially in the United States, where it peaked in the 1960s.
Where Doug is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Dougie
Sibling names for Doug
Names that share Doug's style, for a brother or sister.
