Declining since 1985, #807 for boys today.
Popularity of Douglas since 1880
Babies named Douglas per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1957, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Douglas's real moment was 1942.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 334 |
| 1890s | 585 |
| 1900s | 950 |
| 1910s | 6,908 |
| 1920s | 17,301 |
| 1930s | 26,031 |
| 1940s | 80,760 |
| 1950s | 148,205 |
| 1960s | 134,989 |
| 1970s | 65,155 |
| 1980s | 41,746 |
| 1990s | 21,972 |
| 2000s | 8,661 |
| 2010s | 4,487 |
| 2020s | 1,929 |
Meaning & origin
Douglas is a classic Scottish name with deep roots in clan history and a steady, enduring presence in the United States. In 2025, it held the rank of 807, given to roughly 1 in 5,546 baby boys. The name peaked in 1942, when it was a top 30 choice, and has been on a gradual decline since 1985. Despite its falling trajectory, Douglas remains most popular in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee, states where its traditional appeal endures. Its meaning, 'dark water,' evokes the rugged landscapes of Scotland, and its long usage as both a surname and given name lends it a sense of strength and heritage.
Douglas is an Anglicized form of the Scottish Gaelic name Dùbhghlas, composed of the elements dubh ('dark, black') and glais ('water, stream'), thus 'dark water'. It originated as a surname and clan name in the Scottish Lowlands, famously borne by the powerful Douglas clan distinguished by figures such as Sir James Douglas, a companion of Robert the Bruce. The given name emerged from the surname tradition of the 16th century and gained wider usage through eminent bearers such as the statesman Frederick Douglass. Historically reserved for boys, it became popular across the English-speaking world from the 19th century onward.
Where Douglas 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: Doug, Dougie, Duggie, Dug
Variants: Douglass, Dùghlas, Duggie, Dougie
Sibling names for Douglas
Names that share Douglas's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Heather, Fiona, Megan, Bridget, Moira, Brenda, Leanne, Lynne, Pamela, Daun, Deitra, Cyndia, Dodi, Jennice, Dorthia
Brothers: Duncan, Malcolm, Ian, Bruce, Keith, Glenn, Gordon, Gregory, Jeffrey, Murray, Stephen, Macarthur, Erskine, Darrol, Donnald, Erskin, Dewight, Donaldson, Glenroy, Gregroy
Names like Douglas
Names whose popularity has moved with Douglas's over the last 50 years.
