The name Duc is of French origin and it means "leader" or "chief". It comes from the Latin word "dux", which also means leader. The name has a long history in France, with many notable figures carrying this name throughout the centuries.
One of the earliest known bearers of the name Duc was Duke William IX of Aquitaine, who lived in the 12th century and was known for his troubadour poetry. Another famous bearer of the name was Duke François de la Rochefoucauld, who was a French writer and moralist during the 17th century.
In recent years, the name Duc has become increasingly popular outside of France, with many families choosing it as a given name for their children rather than just a title for nobility. It is often used in English-speaking countries such as the United States and Canada, where parents may be drawn to its strong meaning and unique sound.
Overall, the name Duc has a rich history and carries a powerful meaning that makes it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive name with a lot of character.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Duc has seen a varied level of popularity over the years in the United States. The peak of its popularity was in the early to mid-1980s, with a total of 24 births recorded in 1982 alone. This is significantly higher than any other year on record.
However, the name's popularity has since declined considerably. There were only 5 births recorded in 2003 and again in 2017, indicating that Duc was chosen less frequently as a baby boy's name during those years.
Overall, from 1975 to 2017, there have been a total of 421 babies named Duc born in the United States. This suggests that while the name may not be extremely common, it has maintained some level of popularity among parents over several decades.
It is important to note that these statistics only represent a small fraction of the overall population of individuals named Duc in the United States today. Many people with this name may have been born outside of the years and locations covered by these statistics or may have changed their names at some point in their lives.
In conclusion, while the name Duc has seen fluctuations in popularity over time, it remains a relatively uncommon but nonetheless present choice among parents in the United States.