Origin & Meaning of the Duncan Surname
What does the last name Duncan mean?
The surname Duncan carries the meaning "Of the." It is derived from the French language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 135,187 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Duncan ranks as the #212 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Duncan come from?
The Duncan surname has its roots in French heritage. Names of French origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Duncan name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Duncan trace back to French. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Duncan |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Of the |
| Origin | French |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #212 |
| US Count (2010) | 135,187 |
| Per 100K People | 45.83 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Duncan
According to the US Census, the Duncan surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 135,187 Americans with the Duncan last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 76.39% |
| Black | 17.33% |
| Hispanic | 2.55% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.52% |
| Native American | 0.99% |
| Two or More Races | 2.21% |
Popularity of Duncan Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Duncan surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Duncan surname increased by 4,768 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Duncan Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Duncan ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Duncan Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Duncan
- ✓ The Duncan coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Duncan families live today
- ✓ Notable Duncan bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Duncan
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Duncan.
Other French Surnames
Explore more surnames with French roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same French origin as Duncan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Duncan
Top Surnames Starting with D
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter D, ranked by population.
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