MallowbyNames

Dusan

DOO-shahn · Dusan means 'soul' or 'spirit' in Slavic languages, often derived from the word 'duša'.

Peak popularity
1974
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Dusan since 1921

Babies named Dusan per year in U.S. Social Security records.

371019602000Most births 1974Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1920s5
1930s0
1940s0
1950s0
1960s5
1970s35
1980s0
1990s12
2000s37
2010s29
2020s26

Meaning & origin

Dusan is a distinctive masculine name of Slavic origin, meaning 'soul' or 'spirit'. It has a strong historical association with Stefan Dusan, the 14th-century Serbian emperor who ruled a vast empire. In the United States, its usage has been modest and primarily within Serbian and Croatian diaspora communities. Records show the name first appeared in American birth data in 1921, and while it has never been a top-tier choice nationally, it reached its highest popularity in 1974, during a period when ethnic names gained visibility. The name's trajectory has been stable over recent decades, with a consistent but low number of annual registrations. Because of its strong cultural ties and historical weight, Dusan remains a meaningful choice for families honoring Slavic heritage, though it may require pronunciation guidance in English-speaking contexts.

Dusan is a South Slavic given name, derived from the word 'duša' meaning 'soul' or 'spirit'. It is most famously associated with Stefan Dušan, the 14th-century Serbian emperor who expanded the Serbian Empire significantly. The name has remained in use across Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, and other Balkan countries, though it is less common in English-speaking regions.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Duko, Dushko, Dule

Variants: Dušan, Duschan, Doussan

Sibling names for Dusan

Names that share Dusan's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

D is for Dusan, our favorite little boy.

D is for Dusan…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Dusan's letter becomes Dusan's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Dusan's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does Dusan mean?
Dusan means 'soul' or 'spirit', derived from the Slavic word 'duša'.
Is Dusan a popular baby name today?
In the United States, Dusan does not currently rank in the top 1000 baby names. Its peak popularity in the U.S. was in 1974, when it ranked moderately high among Serbian-American communities, though national data shows it has never been widespread.
Is Dusan a boy or girl name?
Dusan is traditionally a masculine name.