In origin this name is Scottish Gaelic; its oldest form is Donnchadh. This comes from Donn ("brown" or, possibly, "king") and cadh ("chief" or "noble.") Donnchadh is also used as a name in Irish Gaelic, where it is spelt Donncha. The name Donn is a very ancient Celtic name; in Irish mythology it was the name of the god of the underworld.
Donnchadh (or Duncan, its Anglicised form) was the name of a 7th-century Scottish saint and two medieval kings. One of these was the original of the King Duncan murdered by Macbeth in Shakespeare's play. The historical Duncan was killed in battle rather than being treacherously killed in his sleep as in Shakespeare's version.
The name has always been more popular in Scotland than elsewhere, although it is known throughout the English speaking world. Famous Duncans include swimmer Duncan Goodhew.
Donnchadh (or Duncan, its Anglicised form) was the name of a 7th-century Scottish saint and two medieval kings. One of these was the original of the King Duncan murdered by Macbeth in Shakespeare's play. The historical Duncan was killed in battle rather than being treacherously killed in his sleep as in Shakespeare's version.
The name has always been more popular in Scotland than elsewhere, although it is known throughout the English speaking world. Famous Duncans include swimmer Duncan Goodhew.
