Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Duncan
BoyScottish· “brown or dark warrior”
- Meaning
- brown or dark warrior
- Origin
- Scottish
- Pronunciation
- DUHNG-kuhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,124
- US babies 2025
- 190
- Best rank
- #378 (1997)
- Peak year
- 1997
Meaning and origin of Duncan
Duncan is a Scottish name that is usually said to mean “brown or dark warrior”.
Duncan is the English form of the Scottish Gaelic Donnchadh, usually explained as combining donn, brown or dark, with a word for warrior or chief. Two early kings of Scotland bore the name, and Duncan I appears in Shakespeare's Macbeth as the king murdered by Macbeth. The name also became a clan surname, and Duncan has kept a strong Scottish identity ever since. It has a sturdy, old-fashioned charm and a friendly sound. Dunc and Dunk are playful nicknames.
Popularity over time
Duncan has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 141 different years. Its best national rank was #378 in 1997, the same year it reached its highest count of 644 babies. In 2025, 190 babies were named Duncan, and it ranked #1,124 nationally. That is 35% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #696 in 1920, #590 in 1950, #901 in 1980, #447 in 2000, #709 in 2010, and #1,124 in 2025. Of the 21,219 US boys named Duncan since records began, 20% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 3,965 babies. Since 2010, 4,002 more have been named Duncan.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Juwan, Tristin, Kristian, Dangelo, and Tyree.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Duncan ranked highest in Oregon, Colorado, and Wisconsin.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | #639 | 5 |
| Colorado | #641 | 8 |
| Wisconsin | #714 | 6 |
| Ohio | #725 | 12 |
| South Carolina | #777 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Duncan is usually pronounced DUHNG-kuhn, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with D and ends in “-an”.
Middle names for Duncan
A few middle names that flow with Duncan: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Duncan
Similar names
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Lists that include Duncan
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Duncan mean?
Duncan is a Scottish name that is usually said to mean “brown or dark warrior”.
What is the origin of the name Duncan?
Duncan has Scottish roots. Duncan is the English form of the Scottish Gaelic Donnchadh, usually explained as combining donn, brown or dark, with a word for warrior or chief.
Is Duncan a popular name?
Not especially. Duncan ranked #1,124 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Duncan a boy or girl name?
Duncan is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Duncan?
Duncan is usually pronounced DUHNG-kuhn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings