DOUGAL
Dougal
Dougal is a Scottish and Irish surname of Gaelic origin, derived from the personal name Dubhghall, meaning "dark stranger" or "dark foreigner." The name is believed to have been brought to the British Isles by Norse or Viking settlers.
Origin and Distribution
The surname Dougal is most commonly found in Scotland and Ireland, reflecting the historical connections between the two countries. Variants of the name include Dugald, McDougal, and MacDowell.
Notable Bearers
One of the most notable bearers of the surname Dougal is Iain McDougal, a renowned Scottish poet and writer in the 19th century. His works often explored themes of Scottish identity and folklore.
Modern Times
In modern times, the surname Dougal is still present in both Scotland and Ireland, as well as in communities of the Scottish and Irish diasporas around the world. Many individuals bearing the name continue to celebrate their Gaelic heritage and traditions.
References
- MacLysaght, Edward. The Surnames of Ireland. Dublin, Ireland: Irish Academic Press, 1985.
- Reaney, Percy H., and Wilson, Richard M. A Dictionary of English Surnames. London, England: Routledge, 1991.
There are approximately 937 people named Dougal in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,746th most common surname in Britain. Around 14 in a million people in Britain are named Dougal.
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
- Andrew
- David
- George
- Iain
- James
- John
- Mark
- Neil
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Scott
- William
Female
- Alison
- Christine
- Claire
- Diane
- Elizabeth
- Ellen
- Emma
- Gillian
- Helen
- Margaret
- Marjory
- Mary
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.