of the Gaelic language.
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David, G. Daibhidh (Classical), Dàidh (C.S.); hence Clann Dàidh or the Davidsons, a branch of the Clan Chattan. In C.S., Davidson appears as Déibhiosdan.
Dermid, G. Diarmad, M. G. Dermit (D. of L.), Diarmada, gen. (1467 MS.), E. Ir. Diarmait, O. Ir. Diarmuit, Diarmit, Ir. Lat. Diormitius (Adamnan). Zimmer explains the name as Día-ermit, “God-reverencing,” from dia and ermit: *are-ment‑, “on-minding,” root ment, as in dearmad, q.v.
Dewar, G. Deòir, Deòireach, documents Doïre (1487), Jore (1428); from deòradh, a pilgrim, q.v. Hence Macindeor.
Donald, G. Domhnall, M. G. Domnall (1467 MS.), gen. Donil (D. of L.), O. G. Domnall (B. of Deer), E. Ir. Domnall, Ir. Lat. Domnallus (Adamnan), Domnail (do., ablative), Early W. Dumngual, later Dyfnwal: *Dumnovalo‑s, from dubno- of domhan, and valo- (see flath), meaning “world-wielder, world-ruler,” much the same in meaning as Dumnorix, world-king, Caesar’s opponent among the Aedui. See domhan, flath. Hence M‘Dhòmhnuill, Mac-donald.
Duff, M. Ir. Dubh (Clann Dubh, Clan Duff, of which was Mac-beth, etc.), earlier Dub, King Duff in tenth century; from Gadelic dub, now dubh, black, q.v. As a personal name, it is a curtailment of some longer or double-stemmed name (cf. Fionn, Flann, red). Hence Macduff (Clen mc Duffe, 1384). The family name Duff is merely the adjective dubh used epithetically.
Duffy, Ir. Dubhthaigh; see Mac-phee.
Dugald, G. Dùghall, M. G. Dowgall, g. Dowle (D. of L.), Dubgaill, gen. (1467 MS.), thirteenth century documents give Dugald (1289), Dufgal (1261), M. Ir. Dubgall (first recorded Dubgall is at 912 a.d.), from Early Ir. Dubgall, a Dane, “Black stranger,” as opposed to Finngall, a Norwegian, “Fair foreigner.” See, for derivation, fionn and Gall. Hence M‘Dhughaill, Mac-dougall, Mac-dowel, etc.
Duncan, G. Donnchadh (Dial. Donnach), M. G. Duncha (D. of L.), Donnchaid, gen. (1467 MS.), O. G. Donchad (B. of Deer), E. Ir. Donnchad: *Donno-catu‑s, *Dunno-catu‑s, “Brown warrior,” from donn and cath, q.v. The Gaulish Donno- of personal names has been referred by De Jubainville to the same meaning and origin as M. Ir. donn, king, judge, noble—a word occurring in O’Davoren’s glossary.
Edward, G. Éideard (Éudard, Dial.), Imhear, Iomhar; the first is the Eng. Edward borrowed, the second is the Norse Ivarr borrowed (see Mac-iver). Hence M‘Éideard, M‘Edward.
