Declining since 1985, #2,572 for boys today.
Popularity of Duane since 1885
Babies named Duane per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1959, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Duane's real moment was 1933.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 10 |
| 1890s | 35 |
| 1900s | 104 |
| 1910s | 1,554 |
| 1920s | 8,565 |
| 1930s | 16,855 |
| 1940s | 17,072 |
| 1950s | 24,144 |
| 1960s | 23,755 |
| 1970s | 12,404 |
| 1980s | 5,247 |
| 1990s | 2,615 |
| 2000s | 1,583 |
| 2010s | 1,075 |
| 2020s | 424 |
Meaning & origin
Duane is a name with Irish roots, anglicized from the surname Ó Dubháin. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1885 and saw a surge in popularity during the early 20th century, reaching its peak rank in 1933. Since 1985, the name has been on a steady decline, but it remains a recognizable classic. In 2025, it ranked 2,572, with approximately 1 in 33,492 newborns receiving the name. The top state for Duane usage is California. While it may no longer be a top-tier choice, Duane carries a strong, straightforward sound and a touch of mid-century Americana.
Duane is an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Dubháin, meaning 'descendant of Dubhán.' The personal name Dubhán derives from dubh, the Gaelic word for 'black' or 'dark.' As a given name, Duane rose to prominence in the United States in the early 20th century, peaking in popularity in the 1930s.
Where Duane 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: Dewey, Duke, D
Sibling names for Duane
Names that share Duane's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Sharon, Denise, Janet, Brenda, Carolyn, Lanita, Roxann, Jonelle, Julene, Lavone, Lynetta, Twana, Dawnelle, Denine, Dewana, Djuana, Dondra, Dwanna, Genene, Jodell, Jodene, Jonita, Ronelle, Vonita, Acquanetta, Daune, Davene, Dwana, Julane, Junell, Lennette, Lujean, Raejean, Raenell, Wannetta, Yvonda, Doranne, Jodette, Jolayne, Juanette, Kennita, Loanne, Ranette, Royanne, Vanette, Yuette
Brothers: Todd, Jeffrey, Kevin, Brian, Keith, Dwaine, Lavell, Lyndell, Ronell, Deonne, Dewain, Gaylan, Lawayne, Rodell, Vashawn, Darryle, Deroy, Duayne, Ladell, Durelle, Dywane, Lemond
Names like Duane
Names whose popularity has moved with Duane's over the last 50 years.
