Declining since 1998, #1,123 for boys today.
Popularity of Duncan since 1880
Babies named Duncan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 139 |
| 1890s | 117 |
| 1900s | 116 |
| 1910s | 542 |
| 1920s | 767 |
| 1930s | 653 |
| 1940s | 1,178 |
| 1950s | 1,783 |
| 1960s | 1,389 |
| 1970s | 933 |
| 1980s | 1,414 |
| 1990s | 4,221 |
| 2000s | 3,965 |
| 2010s | 2,687 |
| 2020s | 1,315 |
Meaning & origin
Duncan has a long history in Scotland, associated with two early Scottish kings. In the United States, its popularity peaked in 1997, when it ranked highest, but it has since been on a gradual decline, falling since 1998. As of 2025, it ranks 1123rd, with about 1 in 8,990 boys receiving the name. The name is most common in Oregon, Colorado, and Wisconsin, reflecting a preference in western and midwestern states. While not as popular as in its peak, Duncan remains a recognizable and sturdy choice with strong Celtic roots.
Duncan is an Anglicized form of the Scottish Gaelic name Donnchadh, derived from 'donn' meaning 'brown' and 'cath' meaning 'battle' (or possibly 'ceann' meaning 'head'). It was borne by two early kings of Scotland, including Duncan I (the likely historical figure behind Shakespeare's MacBeth). The name remained common in Scotland and spread to other English-speaking countries.
Where Duncan 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.
“Duncan” around the world
Where Duncan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Dunk, Dunky
Variants: Donnchadh, Dunkan
Sibling names for Duncan
Names that share Duncan's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Isla, Maeve, Fiona, Cora, Brynn, Leslie, Lorna, Blaire, Campbell, Sheridan, Skye, Nerissa, Dalinda, Donelda, Lesleigh, Lesslie, Lyndall, Marney, Melrose, Treena, Carlise, Donette, Durinda, Keitha, Mirranda, Ulanda, Tamsyn, Macenzie
Brothers: Lachlan, Ethan, Owen, Caleb, Angus, Chandler, Craig, Douglas, Malcolm, Barret, Frazier, Kieth, Lionell, Lorne, Mcarthur, Parrish, Rodrick, Thane, Torrance, Torrence, Baird, Darwyn, Gordan, Holmes, Irvine, Johnston, Kelso, Lamond, Langdon, Nygel, Ramzy, Renwick, Stirling, Taggart, Calton, Craige, Currie, Dewight, Forbes, Gordie, Gordy, Mackay, Mccrae, Mclean, Neilson, Brodric, Carron, Connery, Deveron, Ferguson, Frazer, Gresham, Kelven, Loudon, Maclean, Malcomb, Merric, Ranald
Names like Duncan
Names whose popularity has moved with Duncan's over the last 50 years.
