Boy · 894th of 10,718
Douglass
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
5,795
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1970
Peak Popularity Year
137
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Douglass stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Douglass originates from Scottish Gaelic, meaning 'black stream', and has evolved from Dubhglas to its modern forms. It is associated with the historic Douglas clan in Scotland, which adds a sense of strength and heritage. There is no direct biblical relevance. The name gained popularity in the 14th century and remains recognized today, with notable figures like Frederick Douglass contributing to its legacy.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈdʌɡləs/
Origin
Scottish
Etymology
The name Douglass is derived from the Scottish Gaelic elements 'dubh' meaning 'black' and 'glas' meaning 'stream' or 'river'. It originally referred to someone who lived near a dark stream or river.
Meaning
black stream
Language Evolution
Dubhglas, Douglass, Douglas
Historical Usage
The name Douglass gained popularity in the 14th century in Scotland, particularly after the rise of the Douglas clan.
Variants & Derivatives
Douglas, Douglash, Doug
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, the name Douglass is viewed as traditional and carries connotations of strength and history due to its association with the notable Douglas clan.
Famous People
Frederick Douglass, William Douglass, Sir James Douglas
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 137 peak births in 1970
Geographic Spread
Popular across 25 US states, with strongest presence in Maryland
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 4 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 10 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1147th of 7545 | 604 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 865th of 6773 | 986 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 714th of 7552 | 1,977 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 894th of 10718 | 1,313 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1823rd of 16616 | 633 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 6646th of 24088 | 171 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 11534th of 23106 | 55 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 7673rd of 9107 | 11 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 8072nd of 9204 | 10 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 12526th of 12526 | 5 |