Donald: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced DAH-nuhld · 2 syllables
Donald means “prince / chief of the world”, from Scottish.
Name of Scottish kings and an early saint, from Scottish Gaelic Domhnall and reinforced by Medieval Latin Donvaldus ~ Donaldus, from Old Irish Domnall, from Proto-Celtic *Dubnowalos (“prince / chief of the world”). Doublet of Domhnall.
- Meaning
- prince / chief of the world
- Origin
- Scottish
- Pronunciation
- DAH-nuhld
- US rank (2025)
- #690
- US babies a year
- about 418 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1930
- Style
- Vintage
- Nicknames
- Don, Donnie
How popular is Donald?
Donald was the #690 name in the US in 2025, given to 395 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 43% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1930.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #690 |
| Scotland | #391 |
| Australia | #600 |
How old are people named Donald?
Half of US adults named Donald are older than 68; most are between 36 and 88. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Donald
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Donald have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Donald
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Donald
What does the name Donald mean?
Donald means “prince / chief of the world”. It comes from Scottish.
How do you pronounce Donald?
Donald is pronounced DAH-nuhld.
How popular is the name Donald?
Donald was the #690 name in the US in 2025, given to 395 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 43% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1930.
How old are people named Donald?
Half of US adults named Donald are older than 68. Most are between 36 and 88.