Douglas (also spelled Douglass) is a masculine given name. It is also a common surname of Scottish origin, see Clan Douglas. It is a Gaelic name that means black water.

In politics:

• Alec Douglas-Home (1903–1995), British baron, politician, and prime minister
• Aretas Akers-Douglas, 1st Viscount Chilston (1851–1926), British statesman and politician
• Denzil Douglas (1953–), Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis
• Douglas Christie, Canadian lawyer and political activist
• Frederick Douglass (1818–1895), American abolitionist, editor, orator, author, statesman, and reformer
• Helen Gahagan Douglas (1900–1980), American actress and politician
• James Douglas (Governor) (1803–1877), Scottish-Canadian governor of the colony of Vancouver Island
• Jim Douglas (1952–), American politician
• Paul Douglas (1892–1976), American economist and United States Senator from Illinois
• Roger Douglas (1973–), former New Zealand politician
• Rosie Douglas (1941–2000), Dominican politician
• Stephen A. Douglas (1813–1861), American politician
• Tommy Douglas (1904–1986), Canadian politician, Premier of Saskatchewan, and father of Shirley Douglas
• William Lewis Douglas (1845–1924), American politician
• John Douglas (Queensland politician), Premier of Queensland, Australia