Douglas

boyScottish Gaelic

Douglas is a boy name of Scottish Gaelic origin, meaning “Dark river, dark water”.

MeaningDark river, dark water
GenderBoy
OriginScottish Gaelic
PronunciationDUG-lus
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia

Meaning and origin of Douglas

Douglas comes from the Gaelic dubh, 'dark', and glas, 'stream', originally a place name for rivers in Scotland. The powerful Douglas family took their name from it, and it became a surname before becoming a first name. In the seventeenth century it was even given to girls. Bearers include General Douglas MacArthur and the writer Douglas Adams.

Is Douglas a religious name?

Douglas has no religious background; it is a Scottish place and clan name.

How popular is Douglas?

Common among men born in the mid-twentieth century; uncommon for babies now.

Gifts with the name Douglas

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a small commission from these links, at no extra cost to you.

Spellings and variants of Douglas

DougalDougDuglas

Names similar to Douglas

More boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Douglas mean?

Douglas means 'Dark river, dark water'. It is of Scottish Gaelic origin.

Does Douglas have a religious meaning?

Douglas has no religious background; it is a Scottish place and clan name.

How do you pronounce Douglas?

Douglas is pronounced DUG-lus.

Is Douglas a boy or girl name?

Douglas is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.