Dugald

Dugald is a masculine given name of Scottish origin. It derives from the Gaelic name Dubhghall, meaning dark foreigner or dark stranger, a compound of dubh “dark” and gall “foreigner” (often referring to Norse or Gaelic outsiders). In English, Dugald is an older or traditional spelling, with several modern variants including Dougal, Dougall, and Dougald. The name has historically been used in Scotland and by descendants of Scottish communities abroad, though it remains relatively uncommon today.

In addition to its use as a given name, Dugald appears in place names in Canada; most notably, Dugald, Manitoba, a village in the province. The usage as a surname is rare but attested in some cases where it originated as a given name.

Notable people named Dugald include Dugald Stewart (1753–1828), a Scottish philosopher and a prominent figure of the Scottish Enlightenment who served as a professor of moral philosophy at the University of Edinburgh. The name has appeared in genealogical records and historical writings, reflecting Scottish diaspora.