Duncan
Duncan is a boy name of Scottish Gaelic origin, meaning “Brown-haired chief”.
| Meaning | Brown-haired chief |
|---|---|
| Gender | Boy |
| Origin | Scottish Gaelic |
| Pronunciation | DUN-kun |
| Tradition | Modern & Classic |
| Used in | United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia |
Meaning and origin of Duncan
Duncan is the anglicised form of the Gaelic Donnchadh, usually explained as donn, 'brown', plus an element meaning 'chief' or 'warrior'; scholars differ on the exact second part. It was the name of two medieval kings of Scotland, including the Duncan killed by Macbeth in 1040, whose story Shakespeare dramatised. It remains a classic Scottish name.
Is Duncan a religious name?
Duncan has no particular religious background; it is a Scottish royal and clan name.
How popular is Duncan?
Steady but uncommon in Britain and North America.
Gifts with the name Duncan
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 Duncan
Names similar to Duncan
More boy names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Duncan mean?
Duncan means 'Brown-haired chief'. It is of Scottish Gaelic origin.
Does Duncan have a religious meaning?
Duncan has no particular religious background; it is a Scottish royal and clan name.
How do you pronounce Duncan?
Duncan is pronounced DUN-kun.
Is Duncan a boy or girl name?
Duncan is usually a boy name.