Duke is a timeless and dashing baby name for boys. Long associated with imperial nobility, Duke has undergone a revival as one of the top boy names of the 21st century. Duke Crocker is a main character in the Haven series, and Duke Thomas is a character in the DC Comics universe. Keep reading to learn more about this baby name.
Meaning of the name Duke:
Latin: Leader
Origin of the name Duke:
Duke originates from the Latin word dūx (meaning “leader”). The word dūx was the noun form of the verb dūcere (meaning “to lead”). Old French translated the word as “duc,” and this word later evolved into the Middle English term “duke.”
Symbolism of the name Duke:
Duke derives from the Latin word for “leader.” In British peerage, a duke is the highest-ranking nobleman outside of the royal family. A duke ranks immediately below a prince but directly above a marquis. Dukes can also rule their own state, province, or principality (known as a “duchy”). The symbol of the duke is the coronet.
Style of the name Duke:
Classic
Gender of the name Duke:
Duke is a boy's name.
Pronunciation of the name Duke:
DOOK
Number of syllables in the name Duke:
One
Emotion evoked from the name Duke:
The name Duke evokes feelings of daring and dominance.
Alternative spellings for the name Duke:
- Duque
- Dueke
- Düke
Nicknames for the name Duke:
- Du
- Duk
Popularity of the name Duke:
According to the Social Security Administration index, Duke was the 637th most popular baby name for boys in 2020.
Related names for the name Duke:
Great middle names for Duke and their meanings:
- Alaric (ruler of all)
- Beau (beautiful)
- Camden (winding valley, enclosed vale)
- Emmanuel (God is with us)
- Ennis (island, first choice)
- Franklin (free man, landowner)
- Jeremy (raised by God, uplifted by God)
- Kennedy (helmeted chief)
- Mordecai (little man, warrior, devoted to Marduk)
- Rashad (good sense, good judgment, wise counsel)
- Triton (mighty)
- Tyson (firebrand, high-spirited)
- Zuriel (God is my rock)
Famous people with the name Duke:
- Duke Ejiofor (football player)
- Duke Ellington (jazz musician)
- DukeFluent (son of Mark Fluent and actress Justine Tanya Bateman)
- Duke Gaines (son of reality television personalities Chip and Joanna Gaines)
- Duke Uba Ihenacho (football player)
- Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku (Olympic swimmer)
- Duke Keaton (son of actress Diane Keaton)
- Duke McKenzie (boxer)
- Duke Riley (artist)
- Duke Worne (actor)
Duke in popular culture:
- Duke Crocker (character in the Haven series)
- Duke Nukem (titular protagonist of the Duke Nukem series)
- Duke Thomas (character in the DC Comics universe)
- Duke University (post-secondary institution in Durham, North Carolina)