Meet Duncan McCoskrie - Leading name expert, real estate agent, entrepreneur, and curator of name history, meaning, and strategy.

Maryelizabeth Clark was raised in Upstate New York, where she developed a strong work ethic, an appreciation for community, and a love for nature’s gentle beauty. Growing up in a region known for its seasons, small towns, and close-knit neighborhoods helped shape her grounded values and desire to make a meaningful impact in life.

Her fascination with names began out of this same background. She found herself constantly noticing names, wondering about their backgrounds, and trying to guess their origins. She acknowledges, “It became a quiet passion of mine—one that stuck with me through every chapter of life.”

She moved to California to pursue a career in modeling and acting. The journey was exciting, challenging, and full of growth. Along the way, she and her husband often bonded over their shared curiosity about names. While he researched the history of his own five-generation family name, they both realized just how difficult it could be to find clear, engaging information. That’s when the idea sparked: make it easy to research your name and get curated information about its meaning, history and significance every month. The Club of Names provides a monthly newsletter (“The Name Drop”) that is all about you. As Mary Elizabeth explains, “When you subscribe to The Name Drop, our newsletter provides curated information just for you—to reveal all the hidden layers about your name, with exciting information delivered each month!

Whether she's launching new ventures or helping others—Maryelizabeth brings authenticity, resilience, and a personal touch to everything she does. She values relationships, clear communication, and doing things the right way, even when it’s not the easiest route.

A lifelong explorer of language and identity, Duncan’s journey into the world of names began early. His family hails from Glasgow, Scotland, where five generations of Duncan's carried the name as a first or middle name—a legacy that instilled in him a deep appreciation for history, tradition, and meaning. This rich heritage sparked a deep fascination with how names shape personal and cultural narratives, guiding his lifelong exploration of their power and significance.

With a background in linguistic research and a passion for etymology, Duncan and Maryelizabeth founded The Club of Names, a hub for name enthusiasts, researchers, and businesses seeking insight into the power of names.

As an entrepreneur and curator of name knowledge, Duncan has dedicated years to uncovering the hidden stories behind names, their origins, and their impact. From historical name studies to strategic name selection for brands, Duncan’s expertise bridges the past and future of identity. Currently, he and Maryelizabeth are working on an upcoming book that explores the art and science of name selection, offering valuable insights for individuals and businesses alike.

The Club of Names founders, leading name experts, entrepreneurs, and curators of name history, meaning, and strategy.