ENGLISH
REFERENCE

duncan

n. countable
A1 Beginner US //ˈdəŋkən// dun·can

n. a common first name for a man. It is a traditional Scottish name that people use in many English-speaking countries.

n. a masculine given name of Scottish Gaelic origin. When used as a proper name, it identifies a specific person and is always capitalised.


SIMPLE

Duncan is starting his new job on Monday morning.

CONTEXTUAL

The meeting was led by Duncan, who has managed the department for over ten years.

COMPLEX

While the name Duncan is historically associated with Scottish royalty, it remains a popular and approachable choice for parents in the modern era across the Commonwealth.

Origin

* As a Scottish Gaelic and Irish surname, from Donnchadh, a name composed of donn (“brown”) + cath (“battle”). Also spelled as Donagh and Donaghue, Donahue. * Also as an Irish surname, Anglicized from Ó Duinnchinn, from donn (“brown”) + ceann (“head”).

Usage

As a proper noun, it is always capitalised; it can be used with an article when referring to a specific person among others of the same name.

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