Duncan
Duncan first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1997, when 644 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 190.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Duncan popular?
Declining Duncan is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1997 peak.
| 2020s | 1,315 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 2,687 | |
| 2000s | 3,965 | |
| 1990s | 4,221 | |
| 1980s | 1,414 | |
| 1970s | 933 | |
| 1960s | 1,389 | |
| 1950s | 1,783 | |
| 1940s | 1,178 | |
| 1930s | 653 | |
| 1920s | 767 | |
| 1910s | 542 | |
| 1900s | 116 | |
| 1890s | 117 | |
| 1880s | 139 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Duncan mean?
From Gaelic 'donn' (brown, dark) and 'cath' (battle, warrior), 'brown/dark warrior'. Borne by an 11th-century king of Scotland.
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Frequently asked questions
What does the name Duncan mean?
Duncan means Brown warrior. From Gaelic 'donn' (brown, dark) and 'cath' (battle, warrior), 'brown/dark warrior'. Borne by an 11th-century king of Scotland.
What is the origin of the name Duncan?
Duncan is of scottish gaelic origin.
How do you pronounce Duncan?
Duncan is pronounced “DUN-kun.”
Is Duncan a boy or a girl name?
Duncan is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Duncan a popular name right now?
Duncan is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1997 peak.
How popular is the name Duncan?
In 2025, Duncan ranked #1124 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Duncan most popular?
Duncan was most popular in 1997, when about 644 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.