Let me share with you the fascinating history of your family, the Duncans. The name Duncan is one of the oldest personal names in Scotland, dating back to the fourth century. It originates from the Gaelic-speaking parts of the Atlantic Isles, and in Gaelic, it takes on various forms such as Dunchad, Donchadh, Donachie, and Donnchadh. The name carries the meaning of “the warrior of the fort.”

There have been two Duncan Kings of Scots. The first ruled from 1034 to 1040 and serves as the model for the character in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The second ruled briefly in 1094. As a surname, Duncan signifies “son of Duncan.” Similar to other “mac” names in Scotland, this surname emerged when a particular branch of a larger clan formed a smaller unit and adopted the name of its founder, eventually establishing itself as an independent clan. Due to the prevalence of the name Duncan throughout the Gaelic world, there are multiple origins for the Duncan surname.

Early instances of the name provide a few potential candidates. One is William, son of Duncan, who was mentioned between 1200 and 1204 and held the title of Earl of Fife (died 1229). William, being the second son, is referred to in several documents as “son of Duncan.” As he did not inherit the earldom, he might have retained the designation “son of Duncan” and formed his own smaller clan group within the earldom, eventually becoming an independent clan. Another candidate is Donald, son of Duncan, mentioned in a document exchanging land with the Knights Templar of Torphichen, dating between 1272 and 1294. This Duncan was the Earl of Mar (1203-1244). A third potential progenitor comes from the younger children of “Stout Duncan,” the Earl of Atholl, who is said to have led a force of Highlanders at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. Later traditions of Clan Donachie/Donnachadh attribute their ancestry to this man.

Your family, the Duncans, has many branches scattered throughout Scotland, with a particular concentration in the east, especially in Aberdeenshire, Angus, and Fife. One notable branch is the Duncans of Lundie in Forfarshire. Admiral Adam Duncan of Lundie achieved success in the Royal Navy and won a significant victory over the Dutch at the Battle of Camperdown in 1797. In recognition of his accomplishments, he was granted the title of Viscount Duncan of Camperdown in the same year. His son and successor received the title of Earl of Camperdown in 1831, although the title became extinct in 1933.