Donald or Donalbain

[Wildflowersweet]

Again, two classic Scottish names. Donalbain is the name of a much beloved uncle we lost during Covid so is close to my heart. Donald is more common. Both I like.

I wouldn't name my child after a duck. Or a felon.

This is true, but Donald isn't a tenuous historical connection to someone unpleasant. It's very current. He's currently sanctioning shooting young mothers in the face in their own neighbourhoods.

How many girls do you think were called Myra after the Moors Murderers? Of course names become synonymous with bad people. Obviously some nasty people's names are less uncommon (eg Ian ) . I'd put Donald in the middle of those extremes in Scotland. I certainly wouldn't say it would pass comment free.

Donalbain means Donald the Fair - so it's never really been a first name (despite OP's family's apparent usage). I'd just go for Donal (or Domnhall) but don't think of that as specifically Scottish.

I went to school with more Ronnie's than Donnie's. But Ronald and Donald were never considered anything other than pretty unattractive old fashioned names , destined to be shortened.

Donald is like calling your child Adolf in 2026! Because of globalisation and social media, it absolutely is something to consider. Most people wouldn’t use Andrew because of Prince Andrew, to answer your question. The family name is certainly preferable

I do like the name Murray. This was quite common in NZ for several generations but does t seem to suggest an old man, in my opinion. So OP you could use urray as a first or second name to honour your uncle.
Do you like Craig?
I’ve never been able to understand how Americans pronounce it Kreg

Why not go full out and call him "Adolf"? The bad Adolf is also dead 🤷‍♀️

If you name your child Donald now - absolutely everyone will think you're a batshit Trump-supporter. Maybe you are and that's why you don't care, but to pretend people won't make the association is just stupid.

I think that's a bit of an outlandish claim - -Andrew has great historical significance in Scotland although it is heard much less today like Donald.

I'm surprised to see Reggie rising in the current Scottish ranks.

I agree with LeChiffre26 - people in Scotland won't be put off the name Andrew because of the former Duke of Inverness.

Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, our flag is the St Andrew's cross, St Andrews is our oldest University.

I know six Donalds, all of whom are over 50. But I know a lot more Andrews, including two in their twenties and one toddler.

I’m not particularly a fan of Donald. I like Scottish names in general though. Both my children have such names. There was one Donald in my class and it was seen as quite unattractive then (I’m 40). I associate it with the duck more than Trump though I still do make that connection.

If I really liked the name I’d wait 5 years and see how it’s perceived then.