Name meaning & stats
Don
Don means “world ruler” (Scottish Gaelic origin). 107,758 US babies since 1940, peak 1946. Notable Dons are 1.9× over-represented as ice hockey players.
What it means
“world ruler”
Scottish GaelicPet form of Donald
In US birth records
Peak year: 1946
107,758 US babies were named Don between 1940 and 2025.
Where Dons end up
| Career | vs expected | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| NFL-style footballer | 1.7× | High · 112 people |
| Politician | 1.5× | High · 110 people |
| Actor | 1.0× | High · 57 people |
| Ice hockey player | 1.9× | High · 55 people |
Among notable men who are ice hockey players, Dons show up 1.9× as often as you'd expect from how common the name is.
Notable people born 1940–2005 in the US, UK, Canada and Australia (Wikidata). Patterns, not destiny.
One more thing…
Don has a surprise career: 1.7×
Spelling family
Don is the main spelling
Names that sound the same, grouped by Heyotag. Share of US babies since 1940.
Name twins (peaked around 1946)