Duncan

Duncan is a boy name of Scottish origin, meaning Dark warrior; brown chief.

What Duncan means

Dark warrior; brown chief.

Duncan sits at 6 letters, and ends on a consonant, which gives it a firmer stop.

Where Duncan comes from

Scottish names draw on both Gaelic and Scots, and many began as clan or place names before becoming personal ones.

Duncan is recorded as Scottish in origin. Browse other Scottish names.

How popular is Duncan?

Duncan does not currently chart in the top 100 boy names. Rankings move constantly, and names can spend decades out of the lists before returning — so this says more about the present moment than about the name itself.

The character of Duncan

We group Duncan under courage and battle. If that is the quality drawing you to it, the theme link below collects every other name we hold in the same group.

Themes: Warrior

Names like Duncan

These share Duncan's themes, origin, or both — closest first.

  • Alexander — Defender of the people.
  • Cillian — War, strife; bright-headed.
  • Donovan — Dark warrior chief.
  • Liam — Strong-willed warrior and protector.
  • Miles — Soldier; merciful.
  • Owen — Young warrior; noble.
  • Sasha — Defender of the people.
  • Takeshi — Fierce, strong warrior.
  • William — Resolute protector.
  • Wyatt — Brave in war.
  • Achilles — The great warrior hero.
  • Alejandro — Defender of the people.

More Scottish names

  • Douglas — From the dark river.
  • Ewan — Born of the yew tree.
  • Donald — World ruler; great chief.
  • Glen — From the valley.
  • Callum — Dove; peace.
  • Gordon — From the great hill.
  • Brody — From the muddy place.
  • Graham — Gravelly homestead.
  • Angus — One strength; unique choice.
  • Iain — God is gracious.