The name Douglas is of Scottish origin and has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the surname "Dugald," which was originally an Old Gaelic personal name composed of elements meaning "dark" or "black" and "strife." The name was borne by several prominent figures in Scottish history, including Douglas, Lord of Galloway, who played a significant role in the Wars of Independence against England.
The name Douglas became widely used as a given name in Scotland during the 18th century. It eventually spread to other English-speaking countries and gained popularity throughout the world. Today, it is often associated with notable individuals such as Douglas Fairbanks Jr., an American actor, and Douglas MacArthur, a prominent U.S. Army general.
In terms of meaning, the name Douglas does not have a specific definition, but it has been interpreted in various ways over time. Some sources suggest that it means "black water" or "dark river," possibly referring to the River Douglas in Scotland. Others believe it means "from the dark stream" or "from the gloomy water."
Overall, the name Douglas is steeped in history and has a unique origin story that sets it apart from many other names. Its meaning may be open to interpretation, but its Scottish heritage and association with notable figures make it an enduring and memorable choice for a child's name.
The name Douglas experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over time. Initially, it maintained a steady yet low birth count, averaging around 30-40 births per year from 1880 to 1910. However, starting in 1912, the number of babies named Douglas began to rise dramatically, reaching 350 births that year and peaking at an astonishing 4147 births in 1941.
The post-WWII period saw a continued high popularity for the name Douglas, with over 10,000 births annually from 1946 to 1965. However, starting in 1966, there was a notable decline in its usage, dropping below 10,000 births per year.
From the late 1970s onwards, the popularity of the name Douglas continued to wane, with fewer than 5000 births per year from 1983 onwards. The 21st century has seen further decline, with the number of babies named Douglas consistently under 1000 since 2017.
In total, over the period of 1880 to 2023 (including estimated births for 2022 and 2023), there were approximately 559,410 babies named Douglas.