Ethel Duncan Romanes (15 August 1856 – 30 March 1927) was a British writer and religious activist. Romanes was born in Wavertree in 1856. Her parents were Gertrude (born Radcliffe) and Andrew Duncan. Her father was a merchant. Her cousin was James Malcolm who was the 8th of the Malcolm baronets (and her guardian) when she met George John Romanes who was a disciple of Charles Darwin at his house. They were wed on 11 February 1879 and had a happy marriage and studied together. Romanes was said to be an "ideal father" to their six children. They holidayed at "Geanies" in Scotland in a rented home and for the rest of the year they lived in London.