Donald
Donald is a boy name of Scottish origin meaning “World ruler”, pronounced DON-ald. It ranked #690 in the United States in 2025, given to 395 babies, and peaked at #6 in 1934. Common nicknames: Don, Donnie, Dod.
How popular is Donald in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Donald mean, and where does it come from?
Donald anglicises the Gaelic Domhnall — dumno, "world," and val, "rule" — the name of six kings of Scotland and of Clan Donald, the largest of the Highland clans. It travelled with Scottish emigration and reached sixth place for American boys in 1934, the year Donald Duck first appeared on screen. The name declined steadily through the later twentieth century and now sits well down the list. Its bearers span an unusually wide field: a computer scientist, an actor, a prime minister of Poland and the greatest batsman cricket has produced, Donald Bradman.
How is Donald used around the world?
Donald is used in 3 languages worldwide, with 4+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Donald?
Famous People Named Donald
- Donald Knuth — American computer scientist and author of The Art of Computer Programming
- Donald Sutherland — Canadian actor
- Donald Tusk — Prime Minister of Poland and former President of the European Council
Similar Names to Donald
If you like Donald, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
- Ronald
- Gerald
- Douglas
- Arnold
- Duncan
Sibling Name Ideas for Donald
Looking for names that pair well with Donald? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Donald mean?
Donald is a boy name of Scottish origin meaning "World ruler." Donald anglicises the Gaelic Domhnall — dumno, "world," and val, "rule" — the name of six kings of Scotland and of Clan Donald, the largest of the Highland clans. It travelled with Scottish emigration and reached sixth place for American boys in 1934, the year Donald Duck first appeared on screen.
How do you pronounce Donald?
Donald is pronounced DON-ald. Common variations include Donal, Domhnall, Donnell.
Is Donald a boy name?
Yes, Donald is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Don, Donnie, Dod.