NameCensus.

UK surname

Dougan

A Scottish and Irish surname derived from the Gaelic dubh, meaning "dark" or "black," likely referring to hair color.

In the 1881 census there were 720 people recorded with the Dougan surname, ranking it #5,060 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 2,220, ranked #2,921, up from #5,060 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Hamilton, Govan Combination and Glasgow. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Greenock Upper Central, Stranraer South and Greenock West and Central.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Dougan is 2,271 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 208.3%.

1881 census count

720

Ranked #5,060

Modern count

2,220

2016, ranked #2,921

Peak year

2010

2,271 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Dougan had 720 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #5,060 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 2,220 in 2016, ranked #2,921.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 937 in 1901.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established but Challenged.

Dougan surname distribution map

The map shows where the Dougan surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Dougan surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Dougan over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 262 #8,456
1861 historical 409 #6,283
1881 historical 720 #5,060
1891 historical 810 #4,984
1901 historical 937 #4,983
1911 historical 141 #18,571
1997 modern 2,049 #2,998
1998 modern 2,119 #3,016
1999 modern 2,107 #3,049
2000 modern 2,106 #3,032
2001 modern 2,064 #3,025
2002 modern 2,143 #2,989
2003 modern 2,123 #2,955
2004 modern 2,121 #2,957
2005 modern 2,091 #2,952
2006 modern 2,119 #2,928
2007 modern 2,149 #2,913
2008 modern 2,181 #2,902
2009 modern 2,224 #2,924
2010 modern 2,271 #2,930
2011 modern 2,184 #2,994
2012 modern 2,162 #2,958
2013 modern 2,179 #2,992
2014 modern 2,221 #2,956
2015 modern 2,212 #2,932
2016 modern 2,220 #2,921

Geography

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Where Dougans are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Hamilton, Govan Combination, Glasgow, Colmonell and Paisley Abbey. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Greenock Upper Central, Stranraer South, Greenock West and Central, Greenock Town Centre and East Central and Bow Farm, Barrs Cottage, Cowdenknowes and Overton. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 Hamilton Lanark
2 Govan Combination Lanark
3 Glasgow Lanark
4 Colmonell Ayr
5 Paisley Abbey Renfrew

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Greenock Upper Central Inverclyde
2 Stranraer South Dumfries and Galloway
3 Greenock West and Central Inverclyde
4 Greenock Town Centre and East Central Inverclyde
5 Bow Farm, Barrs Cottage, Cowdenknowes and Overton Inverclyde

Forenames

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First names often paired with Dougan

These lists show first names that appear often with the Dougan surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Dougan

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Dougan, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Semi- and Un-Skilled Workforce

Group

Established but Challenged

Nationally, the Dougan surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Established but Challenged, within Semi- and Un-Skilled Workforce. This does not mean every Dougan household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Many households in these neighbourhoods comprise separated or divorced single parents with dependent children. Residents are typically born in the UK, and these neighbourhoods have relatively few members of ethnic minorities. The prevalence of children, their parents and those at or above normal retirement age, suggests neighbourhood structures may be long-established. Levels of unpaid care are high, and long-term disability is more common than in the Supergroup as a whole. Use of the social rented sector is common, often in terraced houses. Levels of overcrowding are above the Supergroup average. Unemployment is high, while those in work are employed in elementary occupations such as caring, leisure and customer services. Many residents have low level qualifications. Neighbourhood concentrations of this Group are found in the South Wales Valleys, Belfast, Londonderry and the Central Lowlands of Scotland.

Wider pattern

Living in terraced or semi-detached houses, residents of these neighbourhoods typically lack high levels of education and work in elementary or routine service occupations. Unemployment is above average. Residents are predominantly born in the UK, and residents are also predominantly from ethnic minorities. Social (but not private sector) rented sector housing is common. This Supergroup is found throughout the UK’s conurbations and industrial regions but is also an integral part of smaller towns.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins

Within London, Dougan is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins, part of Young Families and Mainstream Employment. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Scattered across London’s Inner and Outer suburbs, residents of these neighbourhoods are typically housed in the social rented sector. Although terraced and semi-detached houses predominate, more residents live in flats than elsewhere in the Supergroup. Neighbourhoods are more ethnically diverse than the Supergroup average. Those identifying as of Bangladeshi, Pakistani and some Black ethnicities are more prevalent. Europeans born in a overseas non-EU countries make up more of the lower proportion of residents identifying as White. Few residents are very old (85+). Employment in distribution, hotels and restaurants is more common than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

Wider London pattern

Many families in these neighbourhoods have young children. Housing is principally in the social rented sector, in terraced or semi-detached units. While over-all residential densities are low, overcrowding is also prevalent locally. Residents are drawn from a range of ethnic minorities, with many identifying as Black and above average numbers born in Africa. Numbers identifying as of Chinese, Indian or White ethnicity are below average. Levels of proficiency in English are below average. Levels of separation or divorce and incidence of disability are both above average. Education is typically limited to Level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. Few residents work in professional or managerial occupations but the employment structure is otherwise diverse: it includes skilled trades, caring, leisure and other service occupations, sales and customer service occupations, construction, and work as process, plant, and machine operatives.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Dougan is most concentrated in decile 1 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the less healthy end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

1
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Dougan falls in decile 1 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the more deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

1
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Dougan is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 30-40 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

6
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - Irish

This describes the area pattern most associated with Dougan, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Dougan

The surname Dougan has its origins in Scotland, with roots dating back to the medieval era. It is believed to be a variant of the Gaelic name "Duggan," derived from the word "dubh," meaning "dark," and "gan," implying "descendant." This suggests that the name may have initially referred to someone with dark features or complexion.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Ragman Rolls, a collection of homage rendered to King Edward I of England in 1296. The name "Dowgane" appears in these rolls, indicating its presence in Scotland during that period.

The Dougan surname has been associated with various regions within Scotland, particularly the western and central areas. Some historical documents mention individuals bearing this name residing in counties such as Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, and Renfrewshire.

In the 16th century, records show a John Dougan who was a prominent figure in the Scottish Reformation. He was a Protestant minister and a supporter of John Knox, playing a significant role in the religious upheaval of that time.

Another notable individual with this surname was James Dougan, a Scottish soldier who served in the British Army during the 18th century. He fought in the Battle of Culloden in 1746 and later became a respected military figure.

The Dougan surname also has ties to Ireland, where it is believed to have been introduced by Scottish settlers during the Plantation of Ulster in the 17th century. Some Irish variants of the name include Duggan and Dugan.

In the 19th century, a notable bearer of the Dougan name was William Dougan, a Scottish-born poet and writer who lived from 1824 to 1890. He was known for his works celebrating Scottish culture and heritage.

Another prominent individual was Robert Dougan, a Scottish-American businessman and philanthropist who lived from 1867 to 1935. He made significant contributions to various educational and charitable organizations in the United States.

While the Dougan surname may have evolved over time, its Scottish roots and connections to words related to darkness or complexion have persisted throughout its history, making it a fascinating example of the rich tapestry of surnames found in the British Isles.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Dougan families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Dougan surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Lanarkshire leads with 286 Dougans recorded in 1881 and an index of 12.66x.

County Total Index
Lanarkshire 286 12.66x
Ayrshire 84 16.07x
Renfrewshire 66 12.19x
Lancashire 61 0.74x
Wigtownshire 28 30.19x
Dunbartonshire 25 13.32x
Buteshire 20 47.26x
Surrey 19 0.56x
Cumberland 18 2.99x
Dumfriesshire 14 9.07x
Kirkcudbrightshire 13 12.86x
Stirlingshire 11 4.27x
Cheshire 10 0.65x
Angus 9 1.39x
Middlesex 7 0.10x
Argyllshire 6 3.09x
Northumberland 6 0.58x
Warwickshire 6 0.34x
Durham 5 0.24x
Midlothian 4 0.43x
Caernarfonshire 3 1.06x
Lincolnshire 3 0.27x
Suffolk 3 0.35x
West Lothian 3 2.85x
East Lothian 1 1.08x
Flintshire 1 0.53x
Hampshire 1 0.07x
Royal Navy 1 1.20x
Staffordshire 1 0.04x
Yorkshire 1 0.01x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Govan in Lanarkshire leads with 81 Dougans recorded in 1881 and an index of 14.50x.

Place Total Index
Govan 81 14.50x
Glasgow 79 19.70x
Barony 58 10.15x
Old Monkland 30 33.47x
Colmonell 20 380.95x
Paisley High Church 20 46.41x
Hamilton 19 30.16x
Battersea 17 6.61x
Rothesay 15 73.21x
Eastwood 14 42.00x
Bothwell 12 19.59x
Oldham 12 4.49x
Dearham 10 126.10x
Manchester 10 2.68x
Muirkirk 10 81.50x
Toxteth Park 9 3.21x
Dalrymple 8 243.90x
Dumbarton 8 30.63x
Dundee 8 3.31x
Old Kilpatrick 8 36.07x
Stoneykirk 8 120.66x
Whitehaven 8 24.96x
East Greenock 7 13.70x
Glasserton 7 243.06x
Kilbirnie 7 55.78x
New Kilpatrick 7 39.22x
Crossmichael 6 187.50x
Dalry 6 24.39x
Dukinfield 6 8.42x
Islington London 6 0.89x
Paisley Low Church 6 35.03x
Riccarton Hurlford 6 65.43x
Abbey 5 6.05x
Ashton Under Lyne 5 2.76x
Campsie 5 35.36x
Chorlton On Medlock 5 3.80x
Dryfesdale 5 70.32x
Irvine 5 34.44x
Kingarth 5 164.47x
Kirkdale 5 3.59x
Mearns 5 52.74x
Middle Greenock 5 33.85x
Mouswald 5 373.13x
Westoe 5 4.24x
Dundonald 4 20.76x
Girvan 4 30.49x
Kilmallie 4 40.00x
Kirkcowan 4 128.21x
Kirkmichael 4 84.03x
Leamington 4 34.28x
Balfron 3 94.34x
Dalmellington 3 19.52x
Elswick 3 3.62x
Everton 3 1.14x
Inch 3 33.19x
Ipswich St Mary Stoke 3 38.02x
Llandudno 3 29.79x
New Monkland 3 4.49x
Old Cumnock 3 25.77x
Old Luce 3 51.28x
Paisley Middle Church 3 9.52x
Rerrick 3 69.12x
Aston 2 0.41x
Balmaghie 2 90.09x
Bathgate 2 8.76x
Broughton In Salford 2 2.64x
Cambusnethan 2 3.99x
Dalton 2 144.93x
Dunoon Kilmun 2 13.19x
Edinburgh Tron Church 2 45.66x
Horncastle 2 17.35x
Leswalt 2 31.50x
Little Lever 2 18.87x
Newcastle On Tyne St 2 3.71x
Newton 2 3.13x
Newton In Ashton Under 2 13.15x
St Quivox 2 11.32x
Strathblane 2 62.11x
North Meols 1 1.23x
Sanquhar 1 18.45x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Dougan surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Mary 11
Margaret 8
Sarah 6
Jane 5
Agnes 4
Ann 2
Elizabeth 2
Emma 2
Janet 2
Jessie 2
Alice 1
Annie 1
Eliza 1
Elizth. 1
Emily 1
Ethel 1
Frances 1
Harriet 1
Isabella 1
Jannett 1
Letitia 1
Lily 1
Marion 1
Martha 1
Roseann 1
Victoria 1

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Dougan surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
William 19
John 11
James 10
Thomas 8
Robert 4
Henry 3
Hugh 3
Patrick 3
Alexander 2
David 2
Edward 2
George 2
Michael 2
Richard 2
Archd. 1
Charles 1
Daniel 1
Dennis 1
Gregory 1
Harr. 1
Jerehmiah 1
Joseph 1
Martin 1
Oliver 1
Peter 1
Samuel 1

FAQ

Dougan surname: questions and answers

How common was the Dougan surname in 1881?

In 1881, 720 people were recorded with the Dougan surname. That placed it at #5,060 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Dougan surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 2,220 in 2016. That gives Dougan a modern rank of #2,921.

What does the Dougan surname mean?

A Scottish and Irish surname derived from the Gaelic dubh, meaning "dark" or "black," likely referring to hair color.

What does the Dougan map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Dougan bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.