(m) A Celtic river name, meaning ‘dark blue,’
which became a Scottish surname, then a Christian name. As such
it has been well used this century, especially during the period
1930-65. It is still in use, but can no longer be considered fashionable.
The name was exported to England and Wales and later became popular
in North America. No distinct feminine forms of the name seem
to be used, and Douglas in any case appears to have been a girls’
name in earlier times. Camden, writing in 1605, includes it in
his list of girls’ names and compares it with Jordan, another
river name which was borrowed for use as a (male) Christian name.
The spelling Douglass (also a surname form) is sometimes found,
and Douglasina is occasionally used for girls.
To Scottish Christian Names