Douglass Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Douglass come from? What does the surname Douglass mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Douglass and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Douglass Origin: What does the last name Douglass mean?
The surname Douglass is of Scottish origin, derived from the given name "Douglas," which itself comes from the Gaelic elements "dubh," meaning dark, and "glas," meaning green. The name was originally a habitational name for those who lived near the Douglas river in Lanarkshire, Scotland. The Douglas clan played a significant role in Scottish history, with the first recorded chief being William de Douglas in the 12th century. Over time, the surname spread beyond Scotland to other English-speaking countries.
YourRoots data indicates the presence of the Douglass surname in the United Kingdom since at least the early 19th century. The name has since traveled to various parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. The diverse range of notable individuals bearing the Douglass surname highlights its enduring legacy and widespread distribution across different regions and cultures.
Douglass Last Name History: Where did the last name Douglass come from?
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Explore Douglass last name heritage and Douglass surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Douglass Surame?
Frederick Douglass
Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey (c. February 14, 1818 – February 20, 1895) was an American social reformer, abolitionist, writer, and statesman. He escaped slavery, becoming a prominent leader in the fight for African-American civil rights. Known for his powerful speeches and anti-slavery writings, Douglass played a vital role in the abolitionist movement. He also supported women's suffrage and held public offices. Douglass' autobiography, "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave," shed light on the horrors of slavery. His legacy as a champion for equality and justice continues to inspire generations.
Helen Pitts Douglass
Helen Pitts Douglass (1838–1903) was an American suffragist and the second wife of Frederick Douglass. She was a key figure in the women's rights movement, serving as a clerk in Washington and actively supporting her husband's work. Despite facing societal scorn for their interracial marriage, Helen and Frederick remained steadfast in their love. After Frederick's passing, Helen dedicated her life to establishing the Frederick Douglass Memorial and Historical Association, ensuring his legacy lived on. Her efforts led to the preservation of Cedar Hill as a memorial to Frederick Douglass, now open for tours to educate visitors on his contributions to freedom.
Kate Douglass
Katherine Cadwallader Douglass (born Nov 17, 2001) is an American competitive swimmer known for her five Olympic medals, including two golds, and 33 medals at the World Championships. She holds world records in the short-course 200m breaststroke and 200 IM. Douglass excelled at the University of Virginia, winning multiple NCAA championships and being named the best college female swimmer in 2022 and 2023. Her versatility and record-breaking performances have solidified her status as one of the top swimmers in the world.
Robyn Douglass
Robyn Douglass (June 21, 1953) is a retired American actress and model known for her roles in films like Breaking Away and The Lonely Guy. She also appeared on the cover of Playboy in 1974. Douglass later starred in the television series Galactica 1980 and released an audio memoir in 2020. Despite legal disputes over unauthorized photos, she continued her career and eventually opened a bed-and-breakfast in California.
Brooks Douglass
Richard Brooks Douglass (September 28, 1963 – May 9, 2020) was an American film producer, actor, lawyer, businessman, and former state senator from Oklahoma. He gained recognition for his work on the film "The Amendment," where he portrayed his father who was tragically murdered in 1979. Despite facing immense adversity, he and his sister found forgiveness through their Christian faith. Douglass was known for championing the rights of crime victims during his time in the state senate and left a lasting impact through his storytelling and advocacy. He passed away at the age of 56 after a courageous battle with cancer.
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