TODAY'S TOP Free Douglas Surname Meanings Resources:
One of the Lowland Scotland's greatest families, the Douglas clan played an important role in history through achieving titles, vast estates and huge wealth. Some of the most lavish strongholds and castles are a memory and testament to the Douglas surname.
One of the most famous of the Douglas clan is Good Sir James or Black Douglas, named after the color of his hair. He was a loyal supporter of Robert the Bruce (Bruce). Black Douglas died in the crusades in 1388 with no heirs. His property was split between two illegitimate heirs, the senior line, Black Douglas, and the junior line, Red Douglas.
The Black Douglas clan were among the most celebrated warriors, legendarily wielding a sword no one else could wield and accumulating enormous power through their prowess over the next 150 years. By the mid-15th century, due to concern over the Black Douglas clan gaining too much power, they were murdered.
The Red Douglas Clan led troops against the Black Douglas clan in the mid-15th century and aided with capturing all their castles. Later the Red Douglas clan took over the government when Mary Queen of Scotts abdicated the throne.
Douglas surname meaning, Derived from the Gaelic dubh glas, or black water, referring to the River Douglas in South Lanarkshire, where the Douglas Clan’s 12th century roots can be traced.
Famous Douglas Clan Castles and Historical Douglas Locations
Many of the names from Scottland are derived from the ancient Gaelic. If you can't find your