A 1940s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Douglass since 1883
Babies named Douglass per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1970, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Douglass's real moment was 1942.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 13 |
| 1890s | 11 |
| 1900s | 26 |
| 1910s | 247 |
| 1920s | 402 |
| 1930s | 481 |
| 1940s | 870 |
| 1950s | 1,098 |
| 1960s | 890 |
| 1970s | 798 |
| 1980s | 488 |
| 1990s | 267 |
| 2000s | 105 |
| 2010s | 66 |
| 2020s | 7 |
Meaning & origin
Douglass is a distinguished variant of the classic Scottish name Douglas, most famously associated with the iconic American social reformer Frederick Douglass. Despite its historic weight, the name remains rare in modern usage: it peaked in popularity in 1942, and since 2022 it has been on a gradual upward trajectory, though it still hasn't re-entered the national top 1000. Its strong, two-syllable sound and connection to a powerful surname give it a serious, scholarly bearing. For parents seeking a traditional name with historical resonance and a slightly different spelling from the more common Douglas, Douglass offers a distinctive choice.
Douglass is a variant spelling of Douglas, derived from the Scottish Gaelic elements 'dubh' meaning 'black' and 'glas' meaning 'stream' or 'water'. The name originated as a place name in Lanarkshire, Scotland, and became a prominent surname borne by the powerful Douglas clan. As a given name, it gained popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries, with the variant spelling Douglass often associated with the abolitionist Frederick Douglass, who adopted the spelling after his escape from slavery.
Where Douglass 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
Variants: Douglas
Sibling names for Douglass
Names that share Douglass's style, for a brother or sister.
