Find out how popular the first name Duce has been for the last 1 years (from 2003 to 2003) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Duce by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Duce is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2003, there were 10 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Duce.

The history of the first name Duce

The given name Duce finds its origins in the Latin language, derived from the word "dux," which translates to "leader" or "commander." It gained prominence during the Roman Empire era, where it was used to refer to military leaders and high-ranking officials.

During the Middle Ages, the name Duce became associated with nobility and power, often bestowed upon those in positions of authority or leadership roles. It was particularly prevalent in Italy, where it held significant cultural and historical significance.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Duce can be found in the annals of ancient Roman history, where it was used to refer to notable military commanders and rulers. For instance, the Roman general and statesman Julius Caesar was often referred to as "Dux" by his troops, acknowledging his leadership abilities on the battlefield.

Throughout the centuries, several influential figures have borne the name Duce. One notable example is Benito Mussolini (1883-1945), the Italian fascist dictator who ruled over Italy from 1922 to 1943. He adopted the title "Il Duce" (The Leader), further solidifying the name's association with power and authority.

Another prominent figure with the name Duce was Duarte Nuno Álvares Pereira (1392-1438), a Portuguese military leader and national hero who played a crucial role in the Portuguese struggle for independence against Castile. He was revered for his strategic prowess and leadership during the 14th century.

In the realm of literature, the name Duce also holds significance. The Italian novelist and playwright Gabriele D'Annunzio (1863-1938) used the pen name "Il Duce" in some of his works, drawing inspiration from the historical connotations of the name.

While the name Duce has a rich historical background, it is important to note that its usage and popularity have been influenced by the complex and often controversial legacies of some of its most well-known bearers, particularly in the context of fascist and authoritarian regimes.

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 Duce was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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