Duncan
Meaning of Duncan
The name Duncan is a strong and classic choice for boys, rooted in Scottish heritage. Derived from the Gaelic name Donnchadh, which means "brown warrior" or "dark-skinned warrior," Duncan has a rich history and regal associations. The name is pronounced as DUHN-kin (/ˈdʌnkɪn/) in English. It gained prominence through historical figures such as King Duncan I of Scotland, who was immortalized in Shakespeare's tragedy "Macbeth." Over the years, Duncan has maintained a steady presence in the United States, consistently ranking within the top 1,000 names since the late 19th century. Though its popularity has fluctuated, it remains a timeless option that exudes strength and nobility. A notable variation of this name is Dunkan, offering a slight twist while retaining its classic charm.
Pronunciation
American English
- Pronunced as DUHN-kin (/ˈdʌnkɪn/)
British English
- Pronunced as DUHN-kun (/ˈdʊnkən/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Duncan
| Duncan Duane Hunter is an American former politician and United States Marine who served as a U.S. representative for California's 50th congressional district from 2013 to 2020, succeeding his father, Republican Duncan Lee Hunter. |
| Duncan Lee Hunter is a former American politician who served as a Republican member of the House of Representatives from California for nearly three decades. |
| Duncan II of Scotland - Donnchad mac Máel Coluim, the son of Malcolm III and Ingibiorg Finnsdottir, was a notable King of Scots. |
| Duncan Laurence is a Dutch singer and songwriter who won the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 with his song "Arcade," which became a major international success. |
| Duncan Sheik is a multi-talented American artist known for his hit single "Barely Breathing" and his award-winning compositions for Broadway musicals and motion pictures. |
| Duncan Walker Bannatyne is a Scottish entrepreneur, philanthropist, and author known for his appearance on the BBC programme Dragons' Den and his OBE for charity work. |
| Duncan Jones - Duncan Zowie Haywood Jones, the son of David Bowie and Angie Bowie, is a British film director, producer, and screenwriter known for directing Moon, Source Code, Warcraft, and Mute. |
| Duncan G. Stroik is an American architect, professor of architecture at the University of Notre Dame, and advocate for classical and Palladian architecture. |
| Duncan Kirkland McRae was an American politician, lawyer, and Confederate States Army officer known for his service during the American Civil War and his work as a newspaper editor. |
| Duncan I of Scotland - Donnchad mac Crinain, also known as King Duncan, ruled Scotland from 1034 to 1040 and is the historical figure behind Shakespeare's character in Macbeth. |
| Duncan Mighty, also known as Duncan Wene Mighty Okechukwu, is a versatile Nigerian musician, singer, and music producer known for incorporating the sounds and culture of his native Ikwerre language into his music. |
| Duncan James Watts is a sociologist and professor known for his work on small-world networks and his role as a principal researcher at Microsoft Research in New York City. |
| Duncan James Jones is a former Welsh rugby union player known for his time with the Ospreys and representing Wales. |
| Duncan Hines was an American pioneer of restaurant ratings and is best known for the food products bearing his name. |
| Duncan Farquharson Gregory was a Scottish mathematician known for his work in mathematics. |
