DOUGLAS
Douglas
Origin and Meaning: Douglas is a Scottish surname of Gaelic origin. It is derived from the Scottish Gaelic name "Dubhghlas," which means "dark river" or "black stream." The name is believed to have originated from the Douglas River in Lanarkshire, Scotland.
History: The Douglas surname can be traced back to Sir William de Douglas, a 13th-century Scottish knight who settled in Lanark. The Douglas family played a significant role in Scottish history, with many members holding prominent positions in the Scottish nobility.
Clan Douglas: The Douglas family is associated with Clan Douglas, one of the most powerful clans in Scottish history. The clan's motto is "Jamais Arriere," which means "Never Behind." The Douglas tartan is a distinctive pattern worn by members of the clan.
Notable People:
- James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton: Regent of Scotland from 1572 to 1578.
- Lord Alfred Douglas: A British poet and writer, best known for his association with Oscar Wilde.
- Douglas Adams: An English author and humorist, known for his science fiction series "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy."
Modern Usage: The surname Douglas remains common in Scotland and throughout the English-speaking world. Many individuals with the surname Douglas have achieved success in various fields, including politics, literature, and entertainment.
Variants: Variants of the Douglas surname include Douglass, Duglas, and Dougall.
References:
- Smith, Elspeth. The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History. Birlinn, 2015.
- Douglas Family Society. http://www.douglasfamilysociety.co.uk/
Please note: This encyclopedia entry is a general overview of the Douglas surname and may not encompass all aspects of its history and significance.
There are approximately 34,536 people named Douglas in the UK. That makes it the 223rd most common surname in Britain. Around 530 in a million people in Britain are named Douglas.
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
- Ian
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Robert
- William
Female
- Catherine
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan