Douglas is a masculine given name of Scottish and English origin, derived from a Scottish surname that itself originated from the name of a town in Lanarkshire, Scotland. The town was named after the Douglas Water, a tributary of the River Clyde. The name means "dark river", from Gaelic dubh "dark" and glais "water, river" (an archaic word related to glas "grey, green"). The Gaelic form is Dùghlas or Dùbhghlas. Etymology and History The surname Douglas was borne by one of the most powerful Scottish Lowland clans, the leaders of which were powerful earls in the medieval period, such as the Earls of Douglas, Angus, and Morton, as well as the Dukes of Hamilton. The clan played a prominent role in Scottish history. Use of Douglas as a given name began in the 16th century in Scotland, later spreading to England and other English-speaking countries. Although today it is almost exclusively masculine, in the 17th and 18th centuries it was occasionally used as a girl's name in northern England. Linguistically, Douglas is composed of the Gaelic elements dubh (dark, black) and glas (stream, also related to “green”). The surname is habitational, derived from any of several locations named Douglas in Scotland and Ireland. Notable Bearers Notable individuals with the given name include: Douglas MacArthur (American general), Douglas Adams (British author of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy), Douglas Fairbanks (American actor and filmmaker), Douglas Haig (British field marshal), Douglas Hofstadter (American scholar), American astronaut Douglas Hurley, Douglas Hyde (first President of Ireland), Douglas Mawson (Australian geologist and explorer), Douglas Preston (American author), British director Douglas Sirk, runner Douglas Wakihuri, and many others. Related Names Common diminutives include Doug and Dougie. Douglas is sometimes thought to be connected with the Gaelic given name Dougal, but it is more likely derived directly from the surname. Cultural Significance The name Douglas appears in various cultural contexts. The notable South African cleric and author Douglas Walters, American publishing figures, and others continue the name's legacy. Meaning: “dark river” Origin: Scottish and English Type: Given name derived from a habitational surname Usage: Mainly masculine, used since 16th century Regions: Scotland, England, and English-speaking world