Douglas Lau

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Douglas Lau — dark water
551K People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
Advertisement

Douglas Lau is a name that combines Celtic origins. The first name Douglas is a masculine given name of Celtic origin. From Scottish Gaelic Dubhghlais, meaning 'dark water/stream.' The Black Douglases and Red Douglases were among the most powerful families in medieval Scotland. The surname Lau: Amy Lau (1968–2025), American interior designer Andrew Lau (born 1960), Hong Kong director and producer Andy Lau (born 1961), Hong Kong singer and actor Carina Lau (born 1965), Hong Kong-Canadian actress and director Chak Sing Lau, Hong Kong professor of rheumatology Charley Lau (1933–1984), American catcher and hitting coach in Major League Baseball Christel Lau (born 1944), German field hockey player Constance Lau (born 1991), Singaporean actress and model David Lau (born 1966), Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel Emma Lau (born 1991), British actress Evelyn Lau (born 1971), Canadian writer Finn. Douglas is a well-known first name, carried by approximately 551K people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Douglas reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.

Etymology & Origin

First Name: Douglas

Meaning: dark water

Celtic

From Scottish Gaelic Dubhghlais, meaning 'dark water/stream.' The Black Douglases and Red Douglases were among the most powerful families in medieval Scotland.

Surname: Lau

Vietnamese

Amy Lau (1968–2025), American interior designer Andrew Lau (born 1960), Hong Kong director and producer Andy Lau (born 1961), Hong Kong singer and actor Carina Lau (born 1965), Hong Kong-Canadian actress and director Chak Sing Lau, Hong Kong professor of rheumatology Charley Lau (1933–1984), American catcher and hitting coach in Major League Baseball Christel Lau (born 1944), German field hockey player Constance Lau (born 1991), Singaporean actress and model David Lau (born 1966), Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel Emma Lau (born 1991), British actress Evelyn Lau (born 1971), Canadian writer Finn.

Advertisement

Geographic Distribution

The first name Douglas is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:

United States 44%
United Kingdom 28%
Australia 10%
Ireland 8%
Canada 10%

Popularity Over Time

Popularity of the name Douglas by decade, based on birth registration data:

1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
Advertisement

Notable People Named Douglas Lau

People listed above share this name. Listed for informational purposes only. Source: Wikipedia.

Numerology

According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Douglas Lau:

5
Expression Number

Freedom and adaptability. A dynamic, versatile personality that embraces change and seeks new experiences.

5
Soul Urge Number

Freedom and adaptability. A dynamic, versatile personality that embraces change and seeks new experiences.

9
Personality Number

Compassion and humanitarianism. A generous, idealistic nature with a sincere desire to improve the world.

Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the first name Douglas?
The first name Douglas originates from Celtic. From Scottish Gaelic Dubhghlais, meaning 'dark water/stream.' The Black Douglases and Red Douglases were among the most powerful families in medieval Scotland.
When was Douglas most popular?
The name Douglas reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
What is the origin of the surname Lau?
The surname Lau originates from Vietnamese. Amy Lau (1968–2025), American interior designer Andrew Lau (born 1960), Hong Kong director and producer Andy Lau (born 1961), Hong Kong singer and actor Carina Lau (born 1965), Hong Kong-Canadian actress and director Chak Sing Lau, Hong Kong professor of rheumatology Charley Lau (1933–1984), American catcher and hitting coach in Major League Baseball Christel Lau (born 1944), German field hockey player Constance Lau (born 1991), Singaporean actress and model David Lau (born 1966), Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel Emma Lau (born 1991), British actress Evelyn Lau (born 1971), Canadian writer Finn.
What are the origins of the name Douglas Lau?
The name Douglas Lau combines two different traditions: the first name Douglas has Celtic roots, while the surname Lau originates from Vietnamese.
Advertisement