| Meaning | dark water, dark stream |
| Origin | Gaelic, Scottish |
| Gender | Boy |
| Popularity | Moderate |
| Length | 7 |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Syllabification | Doug-las |
This established classic brings gravitas and historical depth that few names can match. Douglas has served generations of families across English-speaking countries, maintaining relevance through changing trends. The name possesses a distinguished, somewhat formal quality that conveys respectability and substance. Its Scottish heritage adds cultural richness and historical significance. Douglas works exceptionally well in professional contexts, lending an air of authority and competence. The name's three-syllable structure provides rhythmic interest while remaining straightforward to pronounce. While it peaked in earlier decades, Douglas never truly disappeared, and its current lower frequency actually enhances its appeal for parents seeking traditional names without excessive popularity. The name offers natural nickname options like Doug, providing flexibility as the child grows. Douglas represents reliability and timelessness—qualities that transcend fleeting trends.
| Douglass |
| Doug |
| Dougall |
| Dugald |
| Doug |
| Dougie |
| Duggy |
| Dug |
| Douglas MacArthur | American general during World War II |
| Douglas Fairbanks | Iconic American actor from the silent film era |
| Douglas Engelbart | American inventor, developed the computer mouse |
| Douglas Booth | English actor and model |
| Douglas Henshall | Scottish actor, starred in "Shetland" |
| Douglas Trumbull | American special effects pioneer in the film industry |
| Douglas Brinkley | American historian and author |
| Douglas Smith | Canadian actor, known for "Big Love" and "The Alienist" |
| Douglas Rain | Canadian actor, provided the voice of HAL 9000 in "2001 - A Space Odyssey" |
| Douglas Adams | American composer and conductor |
| Douglas Bader | British flying ace in World War II |
| Douglas Luiz | Brazilian professional footballer |
| Douglas Emhoff | American lawyer and Second Gentleman of the United States - as of my knowledge cutoff in 2021 |
| Douglas Murray | British ice hockey player and sports commentator |
| Douglas Preston | American author, known for his thriller novels |
| Douglas Alexander | British politician and former Member of Parliament |
| Douglas Costa | Brazilian professional footballer |
| Douglas Reynholm | From the TV series "The IT Crowd" |
| Douglas Fargo | From the TV series "Eureka" |
| Douglas Ramsey | X-Men character with the mutant power of language acquisition |
| Douglas "Doug" Funnie | Protagonist of the animated series "Doug" |
| Douglas "Digger" Harkness | Captain Boomerang - DC Comics villain |
| Douglas Mortimer | From the spaghetti western film "For a Few Dollars More" |
| Douglas MacArthur McBride | From the novel "The Way We Live Now" by Anthony Trollope |
| Douglas C. Neidermeyer | Antagonist in the film "Animal House" |
| Douglas "Doug" Stamper | From the TV series "House of Cards" |
| Douglas Quaid | From the video game "Deus Ex - Human Revolution" |
| Douglas "Dolly" Ramsbottom | From the film "Wimbledon" |
| Douglas Wambaugh | From the TV series "Picket Fences" |