US Popularity Rank: 3756

Origin: Scottish

Meaning: World ruler; Brown-haired warrior; Brown-haired chieftain

Don is a boy’s name of Scottish and Irish origin. It’s short for Donald, which is the anglicized version of the Scottish Gaelic name Dòmhnall. This name derives from the Proto-Celtic word dumno-ualos, meaning “world ruler,” and is spelled Domhnall or Dónal in Irish. Don may also be related to the Irish and Scottish name Donnchadh, meaning “brown-haired warrior,” and the Irish name Donovan, meaning “brown-haired chieftain.” Whichever meaning or origin you prefer, this simple, versatile name is a winner all round.