Dougald

Dougald is a masculine given name of Scottish origin. It is a variant spelling of Dougal, a form that traces back to the Gaelic name Dubhghall, traditionally interpreted as meaning “dark stranger” or “dark foreigner.” The lineage of the name reflects common patterns in Gaelic anglicization, where Gaelic forms were rendered in English letters in varying ways.

Historically, Dougald is attested in Scotland and appears in medieval and early modern records in a context similar to other Gaelic-derived names. In contemporary usage, the spelling Dougald is relatively rare, with Dougal and other forms more commonly encountered. As with many traditional Gaelic names, the exact spelling often reflects family preference or regional practice rather than a fixed standard.

In onomastic terms, Dougald is viewed as a historical variant of Dougal rather than a distinctly separate name with a separate etymology. Variants and related names arise from transliteration differences and evolving naming conventions in English-speaking contexts. The name may appear in genealogical materials and literature reflecting Scottish heritage, but there are no widely recognized standards or notable contemporary figures universally associated with the exact spelling Dougald.

Overall, Dougald remains a rarely used but historically grounded example of Gaelic-derived Scottish naming, emblematic of how Gaelic names were adapted into English spellings over time. Related forms such as Dougal are more prevalent in modern usage, while Dougald endures primarily in historical or familial contexts.