DONALD
Donald
The surname Donald is of Scottish origin, deriving from the Old Gaelic "Domhnall", meaning "ruler of the world". The name has been recorded in Scotland since ancient times and is associated with various notable figures throughout history.
One prominent bearer of the surname was Sir Alexander Donald, a Scottish nobleman who served as an advisor to King James VI of Scotland. Another notable individual was Andrew Donald, a renowned architect known for his work on various historic buildings in Edinburgh.
The Donald surname is also closely linked to the Donald clan, one of the oldest clans in Scotland with a rich heritage and tradition. The clan's motto, "Per Mare Per Terras" (By sea and by land), reflects their historical ties to maritime activities and land stewardship.
Today, the surname Donald remains common throughout Scotland and the wider British Isles, with many individuals proudly bearing this name as a symbol of their heritage and ancestry. The Donald family crest, featuring a lion rampant and a crown, is a symbol of strength, valour, and nobility associated with this distinguished surname.
There are approximately 9,425 people named Donald in the UK. That makes it the 988th most common surname in Britain. Around 145 in a million people in Britain are named Donald.
Surname type: From given name or forename
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alan
- Alexander
- Andrew
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Michael
- Robert
- William
Female
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Fiona
- Helen
- Karen
- Linda
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.