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Duke

“From the title 'duke', ultimately Latin dux 'leader'; surname/nickname” — English (title 'duke', ult. Latin dux) origin

Boy's name · #695 in the US (2025) · 2020s

Duke reached its best rank, #533, in 2018 and ranked #695 in 2025. Roughly 12,000 boys have been named Duke since 1880. In Hawaii — Duke Kahanamoku's state — it runs about 10× its national rate and ranks #96. It is also an American family name — about 35,000 people carry it as a surname, according to US census data.

Around the world: about 1 in 8,400 boys in Canada (2024) · about 1 in 17,000 boys in England & Wales (2025).

Appears in 2020-2025 birth records of 35 states. See the full state-by-state map on this page.

Famous Dukes

• Duke Ellington — American jazz pianist and composer (1899–1974)
• Duke Kahanamoku — American swimmer, surfer and actor (1890-1968)
• Duke Henry of Mecklenburg-Schwerin — Prince consort of the Netherlands (1876-1934)
• Duke Wilhelm I, Duke of Austria — Duke of Inner Austria (1386–1406)
• Duke Ludwig of Württemberg — German prince (1756–1817)

In stories & tradition

• Duke Nukem — Duke Nukem universe
• Duke — G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero
• Duke Stepanovich — bogatyr

What Dukes become

Among 257 notable people named Duke:

Military figures appear 5.9× more often than among typical names — e.g. Duke Ferdinand of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, German general (1721–1792).

Similar names: Rayden · Duncan · Zeke · Dax · Prince · Trace

Browse more boy names — popularity, trends and eras for 5,700+ American names, free.

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