What does the surname Douglass mean?

The surname Douglass means "From the dark water or dark stream.". It is of Scottish origin.

How common is the Douglass surname?

There are approximately 185,000 people with the surname Douglass in the United States.

Are there Douglass soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 1,936 soldiers with the Douglass surname appear in Civil War records.

Douglass

Topographic

Meaning

From the dark water or dark stream.

Etymology

Derived from the Scottish Gaelic 'dubh glas,' combining 'dubh' (dark) and 'glas' (gray or stream). The name originated from lands in Lanarkshire, Scotland, and became a prominent clan name.

About the Douglass Surname

A prominent Scottish surname originating from geographical features in Lanarkshire. The name became associated with a powerful Scottish clan and spread widely through emigration.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 185,000 bearers in the United States #259 most common surname

Rare Common

Common in Scotland, United States, and other English-speaking nations.

Douglass Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the Douglass Surname

Frederick Douglass

Quick Facts

Origin: Scottish
Classification: Topographic
Earliest Record: 12th century
Estimated Bearers: 185,000

War Records

1,936 soldiers with the Douglass surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →