The name Donaldson is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic 'Domhnall' which means 'world mighty'. It is an ancient Scottish clan name, traditionally associated with the Highlands. The surname Donaldson is a patronymic, meaning it was originally passed down through the male line and signifies 'son of Donald'. This name has been widely recognized in various walks of life, from politics to arts and literature, reflecting its rich history and international spread.
The name Donaldson experiences fluctuations in popularity over time, with periods of higher birth frequency occurring around the early 1920s and mid-1960s. The years 1964 and 1993 saw the highest number of babies named Donaldson at 8 and 5 respectively. Interestingly, there are no recorded births with this name between 1973 and 1992, indicating a decline in its usage during that period. Overall, from 1915 to 1998, the name Donaldson was given to a total of 122 babies.