Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Dougall

      Origin

      Scottish

      Meaning

      Dark Stream or Dark River

      Variations

      Dougal, Dugall, Mcdougal
      The name Dougall is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic name “Dubhgall,” which translates to “dark stream” or “dark river.” The prefix Dubh means dark, while “gall” translates to foreigner or stranger, thus giving the name a rich historical context associated with geographic features like rivers and streams, as well as social connotations regarding identity and nationality. This combination suggests a connection to nature, possibly indicating a region characterized by dark waters, while also reflecting the lineage and heritage of those who carried the name.

      Historically, the name Dougall has deep roots in Scotland, particularly amongst the Gaelic-speaking population. It is believed to have originated in the early medieval period, where it was used to denote specific clans and families. Notably, the name is associated with the MacDougall clan, which played a significant role in Scottish history, especially in the West Highlands. The clan's influence peaked during the 13th century, when they were fierce allies and competitors in the struggles for power among Scottish clans. The name Dougall, therefore, is intertwined with Scotland's turbulent past, showcasing the contributions of its bearers to the region's culture and conflicts.

      In contemporary times, the name Dougall continues to be recognized and utilized, both as a given name and a surname. While it may not be as common as some other Scottish names, Dougall retains its charm and uniqueness, often selected by families seeking to honor their heritage. Additionally, it occasionally appears in popular culture, sometimes in literature and media, helping to maintain its presence in the public consciousness. Geographic regions in Scotland still reference the historical significance of the Dougall name, further solidifying its legacy in modern society.

      Based on our records...

      Mcdougall

      Mcdougall

      This is the most common surname associated with Dougall.
      Mary

      Mary

      This is the most common name of those married to a Dougall.
      John

      John

      This is the most common name for a child of a Dougall.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1809 is when there were the most people born with the first name Dougall.

      Explore the origins of another name.