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Show ContentsDuncan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
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Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

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The ancestors of the first family to use the name Duncan lived among the Pictish people of ancient Scotland. The name Duncan comes from the Gaelic Donnchad, Duncha, Donnachadh and others which literally means brown warrior.

"On an ogham stone at Glan Usk near Crickhowel in Wales the name occurs spelled Dunocatus, which points to 'fort warrior,' from dun, 'fort,' as the meaning of the name. The exact meaning is therefore uncertain." 1

Early Origins of the Duncan family

The surname Duncan was first found in Forfarshire part of the Tayside region of North Eastern Scotland, and present day Council Area of Angus, where the Clan has a long and distinguished history dating back to before 1000 AD.

They claim descent from Dunchad, the 11th Abbott of Iona who died in 717. He was also the progenitor of the Robertsons. On their maternal side, they are related to King Duncan of Scotland who was killed by MacBeth. 1

"Willelmus filius Dunecan witnessed the gift of Swintun to HernuIf the knight c. 1135. Dunecanus comes witnessed confirmation charter by William the Lion to Jacobus de Pert of lands of Rosin clerac, n.d. Willelmus filius Duuecani, c. 1200. Dunecan, parson of Duuglas, appears as charter witness between 1240-1249. John Dunkan held a 'waste' in Berwick-on-Tweed in 1367, and probably John Duncanson or Dunkanson, mayor of Berwick in the same year was his son." 1

The Robertsons or Clan Donnachaidh derive their name and ancestry from Fat Duncan (Donnchadh Reamhar) who was chief of the Clan at the time of Robert the Bruce and led the clan at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

Early History of the Duncan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Duncan research. Another 76 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1451, 1600, 1618, 1640, 1649, 1659, 1660, 1703, 1731, 1735, 1745, 1800, 1804 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Duncan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Duncan Spelling Variations

In medieval Scotland, names were more often spelled according to sound than any regular set of rules. An enormous number of spelling variations were the result. Over the years, the name Duncan has been spelled Duncan, Dunecan, Dunkan, Junkan, Junkin, Duncans, Dunkans, Dunckane, Dunkane, Dunekan, Duncin, Duncen, Duncine, Junken and many more.

Early Notables of the Duncan family

Notable amongst the Clan at this time was

  • Daniel Duncan (1649-1735) French-born, Scottish physician, Huguenot by religion, known as a writer of iatrochemical works. He was from an ancient Scottish family, several members of which belonged to...
  • Adam Duncan (1731-1804), who entered the Royal Navy at the age of 15 became one of the most celebrated British Admirals. After his decisive victory over the Dutch fleet at Camperdown he was made the V...

Duncan World Ranking

In the United States, the name Duncan is the 177th most popular surname with an estimated 136,785 people with that name. 2 However, in Canada, the name Duncan is ranked the 295th most popular surname with an estimated 14,888 people with that name. 3 And in Australia, the name Duncan is the 132nd popular surname with an estimated 20,481 people with that name. 4 New Zealand ranks Duncan as 77th with 4,624 people. 5 The United Kingdom ranks Duncan as 205th with 27,593 people. 6

Ireland Migration of the Duncan family to Ireland

Some of the Duncan family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 71 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

United States Duncan migration to the United States +

In such difficult times, Ireland, Australia, and North America looked like better homes for many Scots. The trips were expensive and grueling, but also rewarding, as the colonies were havens for those unwelcome in the old country. That legacy did not die easily, though, and many were forced to fight for their freedom in the American War of Independence. The Scottish legacy has resurface in more recent times, though, through Clan societies, highland games, and other organizations. Immigration and passenger lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the old Scottish name of Duncan:

Duncan Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Nathanial Duncan, who settled in Nantasket in 1630 with Peter his brother
  • Nathaniel Duncan, who arrived in Dorchester, Massachusetts in 1635 7
Duncan Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Ester Duncan, who landed in Virginia in 1700 7
  • John Duncan, who settled in New Hampshire in 1716
  • David Duncan who settled in New Hampshire in 1718
  • George Duncan, who settled in Georgia in 1737
  • Isaac Duncan, who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1767 7
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Duncan Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Samuel Duncan, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1803-1827 7
  • Thomas Duncan, who landed in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1808 7
  • Margaret Duncan, who arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1811 7
  • Daniel Duncan, aged 28, who landed in New York in 1812 7
  • Alexander Duncan, who landed in America in 1820 7
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Duncan Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • William Duncan, who landed in Arkansas in 1904 7

Canada Duncan migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Duncan Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • John Duncan, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749
  • John Duncan, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1750
  • Martha Duncan, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1750
  • Rebecka Duncan, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1750
  • David Duncan, who migrated from Aberdeen to New Brunswick in 1773
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Duncan Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • David Duncan from Fife to Ontario in 1815
  • Thomas Duncan, aged 40, a labourer, who arrived in Quebec aboard the ship "Dorothy" in 1815
  • Isobel Duncan, aged 9, who arrived in Quebec aboard the ship "Dorothy" in 1815
  • Thomas Duncan, aged 5, who arrived in Quebec aboard the ship "Dorothy" in 1815
  • Donald Duncan, aged 2, who arrived in Quebec aboard the ship "Dorothy" in 1815
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Australia Duncan migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Duncan Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. Alexander Duncan, English convict who was convicted in Lancaster, Lancashire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Elizabeth" in May 1816, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 8
  • Mr. James Duncan, English convict who was convicted in Lancaster, Lancashire, England for life, transported aboard the "Fame" on 9th October 1816, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 9
  • Mr. John Duncan, (b. 1790), aged 30, Irish clerk who was convicted in Dublin, Ireland for 7 years for felony, transported aboard the "Dorothy" on 5th May 1820, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 10
  • Mr. William Duncan, Scottish convict who was convicted in Aberdeen, Scotland for life, transported aboard the "Caledonia" in 19th June 1822, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 11
  • William Forbes Duncan, Scottish convict from Aberdeen, who was transported aboard the "Asia" on July 29th, 1823, settling in Van Diemen's Land, Australia 12
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

New Zealand Duncan migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Duncan Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • A Duncan, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840 aboard the ship "Royal Merchant"
  • J Duncan, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840 aboard the ship "Royal Merchant"
  • M. J. Duncan, who landed in Otago, New Zealand in 1840
  • Andrew Duncan, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Bengal Merchant" in 1840 13
  • John Duncan, aged 2, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Bengal Merchant" in 1840 13
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Duncan (post 1700) +

  • Arthur Chester Duncan (1925-2023), American tap dancer, nicknamed "Entertainer's Entertainer," best known as a performer on The Lawrence Welk Show from 1964 to 1982
  • Charles William Duncan Jr. (1926-2022), American businessman, administrator, and politician, 2nd United States Secretary of Energy (1979-1981), 17th United States Deputy Secretary of Defense (1977-1979)
  • Mary Ellen Duncan (1941-2022), American academic administrator and teacher, President of Catonsville Community College from 1990 to 1991, President of State University of New York (1991-1998)
  • Leslie Herbert "Speedy" Duncan (1942-2022), American professional football player who was a cornerback who played college football at Jackson State University, and then played professional football
  • Christopher Edwin "Chris" Duncan (1981-2019), American professional baseball left fielder and first baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals from 2005 through 2009
  • Gary Duncan (1946-2019), born Gary Ray Grubb, an American guitarist and singer with The Brogues, then most notably with Quicksilver Messenger Service
  • Carmen Joan Duncan (1942-2019), Australian AFI Award nominated actress and activist, known her role as Iris Wheeler on the American soap opera Another World from 1988 to 1994
  • David Douglas Duncan (1916-2018), American photojournalist who is best known for his dramatic combat photographs from Kansas City, Missouri; he lived to be 102 years old
  • Patrick Sheane Duncan (b. 1947), American writer, film producer and director
  • Hearst Randolph "Randy" Duncan Jr. (1937-2016), American AFL and CFL football quarterback and lawyer, inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame
  • ... (Another 183 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Empress of Ireland
  • Mr. James Duncan (1873-1914), English First Class Passenger from London, England, United Kingdom who survived the sinking on the Empress of Ireland 14
HMAS Sydney II
  • Mr. Emmanuel Robert Thomas Duncan (1918-1941), Australian Supply Assistant from South Preston, Victoria, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 15
HMS Repulse
  • Mr. Daniel Duncan, British Able Bodied Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking 16
  • Mr. Samuel George Duncan (1923-1943), Irish Marine from Stewartstown, County Tyrone, Ireland, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse and survived the sinking, died whilst a Prisoner of War in 1943 16
HMS Royal Oak
  • Henry Duncan, British Lieutenant with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he survived the sinking 17
RMS Lusitania
  • Mr. Alexander Duncan, English Junior 2nd Engineer from England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and survived the sinking 18
  • Mr. Peter Robinson Duncan, English Senior 4th Engineer from Walton, Liverpool, England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 18
  • Miss Christina Campbell Duncan, English Stewardess from England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 18
  • Mr. Robert Henry Duncan, English First Senior 3rd Engineer from Walton, Liverpool, England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and survived the sinking 18
  • Mrs. Duncan, Canadian 2nd Class passenger from Montréal, Quebec, Canada, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and survived the sinking 19
  • ... (Another 2 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
USS Arizona
  • Mr. Henry B. Duncan, American Fire Control man Third Class working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he survived the sinking 20
  • Mr. Tommie W. Duncan, American Boatswain's Mate Second Class working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he survived the sinking 20

The Duncan Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Disce pati
Motto Translation: Learn to suffer.

Suggested Readings for the name Duncan +

  • Brown-Duncan and Associated Families: Kittery, Maine, Piscataqua and New Castle, N.H. by Hazel May Standeven.
  • The Duncan Family: Memories and More by B.J. Rone.
  1. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
  2. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  3. "Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
  4. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  5. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  6. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  7. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  8. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 1st March 2022). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/elizabeth
  9. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 27th September 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/fairlie
  10. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 12th July 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/dorothy
  11. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 30th November 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/caledonia
  12. State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Asia 1 voyage to Van Diemen's Land, Australia in 1823 with 151 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/asia/1823
  13. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  14. Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 16) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
  15. HMAS Sydney II, Finding Sydney Foundation - Roll of Honour. (Retrieved 2014, April 24) . Retrieved from http://www.findingsydney.com/roll.asp
  16. HMS Repulse Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listrepulsecrew.html
  17. Ships hit by U-boats crew list HMS Royal Oak (08) - (Retrieved 2018 February, 9th) - retrieved from https://uboat.net/allies/merchants/crews/ship68.html
  18. Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 10) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/
  19. Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 7) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/
  20. Pearl Harbour: USS Arizona Casualties List Pearl Harbour December 7, 1941. (Retrieved 2018, July 31st). Retrieved from http://pearl-harbor.com/arizona/casualtylist.html
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