Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Dwayne

Dwayne is a modern variant of Duane which comes from the Irish Dubhán, a diminutive of the Gaelic “dubh” which means “black, dark”. The surname Ó Dubhán translates to “descendent of the little dark one”. The dark/black etymology would have referred to a person’s physical features (such as dark hair). As a forename, Duane was popularized by a famous American rock-and-roll guitarist of the late 1950s and early 60s named Duane Eddy (noted for his twangy playing style). His records were equally popular in the United Kingdom, so the name Duane saw success in all English-speaking nations. Other variant spellings followed Duane such as Dwayne, Dwain, and Dewayne.

All About the Baby Name – Dwayne

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME DWAYNE

The number Nine personality represents the completion or ending of the cycle, and a need for perfection. This is the personality that moves from "self" to a greater understanding and compassion for the human condition and the world order. They want to make the world a better place. Nines are capable of great spiritual and humanitarian achievements. They are courageous and fearless, able to fight great battles on behalf of worthy causes. These personalities will not tolerate injustice. They are compassionate people with a strong sensitivity to others. They are able to both educate and inspire. Friendships and relationships are the lifeblood to the Nine, and they place a high value on love and affection. Nines are often exceptionally gifted artistically, and they have a keen imagination and enterprising mind.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME DWAYNE

The most traditional spelling of Duane has held a place on the American male naming charts since the late 19th century; Dwayne would follow later in 1921. Dwayne showed steady increase on the charts right off the bat and would eventually overtake Duane in terms of popular usage in 1961. The height of Dwayne’s popularity actually came in 1961 when he reached #112 on the charts. Not quite a Top 100 favorite but close. From that point on, however, Dwayne has been on a backwards trajectory and is now hardly used at all. In fact, Duane, Dwain(e) and Dewayne have all recently fallen off the American charts completely. Dwayne is the only spelling variation of this name left – at least in circulation enough to land a position on the charts. Dwayne has a rock ‘n roll spirit to him (thanks to musicians like Duane Eddy, Duane Allman and Dwayne Carter, aka Lil Wayne). The name has a laid-back and relaxed quality to it as well. The names Dwayne and Dewayne have enjoyed crossover appeal among African-Americans (although not as much today as 30 years ago). The etymology “little dark one” is perfect for a child with dark or black features.

Quick Facts

ON DWAYNE

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

1

RANKING POPULARITY:

723

PRONUNCIATION:

DWAYN; sometimes də-WAYN

SIMPLE MEANING:

Little dark one

Characteristics

OF DWAYNE

Multi-talented

Intuitive

Oneness

Idealistic

Philanthropy

Independent

Perfection

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Dwayne

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME DWAYNE

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Dwayne

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME DWAYNE

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Dwayne


Popular Songs

ON DWAYNE

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Dwayne


Famous People

NAMED DWAYNE

Dwayne Johnson (aka The Rock, wrestler/actor)
Dwayne Carter (aka Lil Wayne, rapper)
Dwyane Wade (basketball player)
Dwayne Roloson (hockey player, born Albert Dwayne)
Dwayne De Rosario (soccer player)
Dwayne Bowe (football player)
Dwayne Hickman (actor)

Children of Famous People

NAMED DWAYNE

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Dwayne

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME DWAYNE

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Dwayne