Name meaning & stats
Duncan
Duncan means “dark warrior” (Scottish Gaelic origin). 18,896 US babies since 1940, peak 1997. Notable Duncans are 1.6× over-represented as writers.
What it means
“dark warrior”
Scottish GaelicWell documented
In US birth records
Peak year: 1997
18,896 US babies were named Duncan between 1940 and 2025.
Where Duncans end up
| Career | vs expected | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Footballer | 1.4× | Medium · 24 people |
| Writer | 1.6× | Medium · 20 people |
| Professor | 1.3× | Medium · 16 people |
| Politician | 0.9× | Medium · 16 people |
Among notable men who are writers, Duncans show up 1.6× 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…
Duncan has a surprise career: 2.0×
Name twins (peaked around 1997)