Donovan
Donovan first appears in US records in 1900. It peaked in 2003, when 2,211 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 609.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Donovan popular?
Declining Donovan is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 2003 peak.
| 2020s | 4,115 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 12,289 | |
| 2000s | 19,329 | |
| 1990s | 12,239 | |
| 1980s | 4,553 | |
| 1970s | 3,750 | |
| 1960s | 1,813 | |
| 1950s | 876 | |
| 1940s | 717 | |
| 1930s | 866 | |
| 1920s | 719 | |
| 1910s | 335 | |
| 1900s | 83 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Donovan mean?
Anglicized from Irish O Donndubhain, from 'donn' meaning 'brown' and 'dubh' meaning 'black, dark' — commonly rendered 'dark brown-haired' or 'dark-haired chieftain'.
Names like Donovan
irish names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Donovan
Popular irish names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Donovan
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Donovan mean?
Donovan means dark brown-haired. Anglicized from Irish O Donndubhain, from 'donn' meaning 'brown' and 'dubh' meaning 'black, dark' — commonly rendered 'dark brown-haired' or 'dark-haired chieftain'.
What is the origin of the name Donovan?
Donovan is of irish origin.
How do you pronounce Donovan?
Donovan is pronounced “DON-oh-vuhn.”
Is Donovan a boy or a girl name?
Donovan is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Donovan a popular name right now?
Donovan is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 2003 peak.
How popular is the name Donovan?
In 2025, Donovan ranked #496 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Donovan most popular?
Donovan was most popular in 2003, when about 2,211 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What names are similar to Donovan?
Names similar to Donovan include Finn, Rory, Ronan, Conor, Sullivan.
What names go well with Donovan?
irish names that pair well with Donovan include Ryan, Liam, Aiden, Sean, Aidan.