Doyne is a unique and distinctive given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the ancient Irish surname Ó Dubhthaigh, which is believed to have been introduced into Ireland by the Normans in the 12th century.
The name Doyne is thought to be an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Dubhthaigh, which means "black-haired". The surname was originally associated with a family who were chiefs of a small territory in County Mayo, in the west of Ireland. Over time, the name has evolved and taken on various spellings, including Doine, Doune, Dunne, and Dunn.
While Doyne is not a particularly common given name today, it has been used occasionally throughout history. Some notable figures with the name include the Irish poet and writer George Doyne (1830-1904), who was known for his work in the Irish language, and the American politician John Doyne (1765-1822), who served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
In literature, the name Doyne has been used by several authors, including the English novelist Thomas Hardy, who featured a character named Doyne in his novel "The Mayor of Casterbridge". The name has also appeared in various works of Irish literature, such as the play "The Shadow of the Glen" by J.M. Synge.
Overall, while not one of the most common or well-known given names today, Doyne is a name with a rich history and interesting origins, making it a distinctive choice for parents looking for something unique and meaningful for their child.
The name Doyne has seen varying popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 449 babies given this name since 1914.
In the early 20th century, the name Doyne was quite popular, with the highest number of births occurring in 1934 with 28 babies named Doyne. This was followed by years with high numbers such as 1923 (18 births), 1944 (16 births), and 1947 (12 births).
However, the popularity of the name Doyne began to decline in the mid-20th century. Between 1950 and 1973, there were only six years with more than five babies named Doyne. The lowest numbers occurred in 1945 (7 births) and 1961-1962 (5 births each year).
Since the 1970s, the name Doyne has become quite rare, with no recent data available on its current popularity. Despite its fluctuating popularity over the years, the name Doyne remains a unique choice for parents looking for an uncommon name for their child.