Find out how popular the first name Donaldson has been for the last 6 years (from 1993 to 1998) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Donaldson by gender

Based on the last 6 years of data, Donaldson is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1998, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Donaldson.

The history of the first name Donaldson

The name Donaldson is a Scottish patronymic surname derived from the given name Donald, which itself has its origins in the Gaelic name Domhnall. The name Domhnall is composed of the elements "domhan" meaning "world" and the diminutive suffix "val" or "ail", thus translating to something along the lines of "world ruler" or "world mighty".

The name Donald and its various spelling variations can be traced back to the early medieval period in Scotland and Ireland. One of the earliest recorded bearers of the name was Domhnall mac Cauill, a 6th century king of Dál Riata, an ancient kingdom spanning parts of western Scotland and northeastern Ireland.

In the 9th century, the name appears in the Irish Annals of Ulster, referring to various Irish kings and rulers such as Domhnall mac Áeda, King of Ailech, and Domhnall mac Muirecáin, King of Uí Failghe. The name also appears in Scottish sources from this period, such as the Pictish king Domnall mac Ailpín, who ruled in the 9th century.

One of the most famous historical figures with the name Donald was Donald III (c. 1033 - 1097), King of Scots from 1094 until his death. He was the son of King Malcolm III and succeeded his brother Duncan II to the throne.

Another notable bearer of the name was Donald Bàn Macintosh (c. 1590 - 1670), a Scottish military leader and chief of the Clan Macintosh during the Scottish Civil War. He fought on the Royalist side and was renowned for his military prowess.

In the 15th century, we find Donald Owre (c. 1459 - 1536), a Scottish churchman who served as Bishop of Caithness and later as Abbot of Fearn. He was an important figure in the Scottish Renaissance and a patron of learning.

Moving to the 16th century, Donald Monro (c. 1550 - 1635) was a Scottish minister and writer who authored a detailed description of the Western Isles of Scotland, providing valuable insights into the geography, culture, and way of life in those islands during that time period.

Lastly, Donald Cargill (c. 1619 - 1681) was a Scottish Covenanter and field preacher who was executed for his role in the Bothwell Bridge Uprising against the Scottish government's attempts to impose Episcopalian forms of worship.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Donaldson was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Donaldson, please contact us.

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