Dugal

Scottish
"dark stranger"

Dugal Origin and Meaning

The name Dugal is a boy's name.

Dugal is a masculine name of Scottish Gaelic origin, derived from 'Dubhghall,' which combines the elements 'dubh' meaning 'dark' or 'black' and 'gall' meaning 'stranger' or 'foreigner.' Historically, it referred to dark-haired Vikings or 'dark foreigners' who settled in Scotland and Ireland. The name is sometimes anglicized as Douglas, though Dugal maintains closer phonetic ties to its Gaelic roots. Uncommon outside Scottish Highland communities and their diaspora, Dugal carries strong cultural associations with Scottish heritage and history. The name has a distinguished, robust quality with its concise two-syllable structure and resonant sounds. For families with Scottish connections, Dugal offers an authentic way to honor ancestral roots while using a name that stands out from more familiar Celtic options.