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Duncan

♂ Boy

Pronounced DUN-kun /ˈdʌŋ.kən/High

Meaning: Dark warrior; brown warrior; from Scottish Gaelic Donnchadh (donn: brown, dark + cath: battle, warrior)High

In 30 seconds: A Scottish Gaelic name meaning 'dark warrior,' from donn (brown, dark) and cath (battle). Borne by the Scottish king murdered by Macbeth in Shakespeare's play, it carries medieval Highland royalty.
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Origin HighScottish, Irish
MeaningDark warrior; brown warrior; from Scottish Gaelic Donnchadh (donn: brown, dark + cath: battle, warrior)
U.S. rank (2024)#1102 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births194 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1997
Total births (all-time)≈ 21,032

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199718802024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Duncan is the anglicization of Scottish/Irish Gaelic Donnchadh, from donn (brown, dark) and cath (battle). Several Scottish and Irish kings bore this name. Shakespeare's Macbeth brought King Duncan international recognition.

Duncan has been used in Scottish and broader communities for centuries. It ranked #1102 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? King Duncan I of Scotland (c.1001–1040 CE) is the real historical figure whom Shakespeare dramatized in Macbeth — though the actual circumstances of his death were quite different from the play. He was killed in battle by Macbeth, not murdered in his sleep.
Overall data confidence 91%
Behind the Name — Duncan — Scottish Gaelic etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

Donnchadh

Nicknames

DunkDunc

Famous Bearers

  • ★King Duncan I of Scotland (1001–1040)
    King of Scotland from 1034, killed by Macbeth in 1040 and dramatized as the murdered king in Shakespeare's Macbeth.

If you like Duncan…

Callum— Scottish Gaelic masculine name with the same quiet Highland dignity
Angus— Scottish Gaelic name with the same Highland warrior tradition
Hamish— Scottish Gaelic form of James with the same Highland character
Gavin— Scottish/Welsh name with the same Celtic heritage and dignity
Malcolm— Scottish Gaelic royal name (devotee of Saint Columba) in the same tradition

Frequently Asked

What does the name Duncan mean?

Duncan means 'dark warrior,' from Scottish Gaelic Donnchadh (donn: brown/dark + cath: battle/warrior).

How do you pronounce Duncan?

It's said DUN-kun — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Duncan a boy or girl name?

Duncan is used as a boys' name.

How popular is Duncan?

Duncan ranked #1102 for U.S. boys in 2024.