Declining since 2002, #2,421 for boys today.
Popularity of Donavan since 1919
Babies named Donavan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 9 |
| 1920s | 73 |
| 1930s | 107 |
| 1940s | 108 |
| 1950s | 166 |
| 1960s | 329 |
| 1970s | 744 |
| 1980s | 940 |
| 1990s | 2,115 |
| 2000s | 2,430 |
| 2010s | 995 |
| 2020s | 284 |
Meaning & origin
Donavan is a given name that first appeared on U.S. Social Security records in 1919, but it saw its greatest popularity in the early 2000s. It reached its peak rank in 2002, after which its usage has been steadily falling. In 2025, it ranked 2,421 with about 1 in 30,501 baby boys receiving the name. Geographically, the name has been most common in Texas and California. Donavan is a variant spelling of Donovan, an Irish surname that has been adopted as a first name, particularly in the United States. Its meaning is traditionally understood as 'dark' or 'brown-haired,' rooted in the Gaelic elements donn and dubh. While the variant spelling Donavan is less common than Donovan, it offers a slightly different visual and phonetic identity while maintaining the same historical and cultural associations. The name fits well with other Irish-derived names and has a modern, approachable feel through its familiar nickname Don or Donny.
Donavan is likely a variant spelling of the Irish surname Donovan, which derives from the Gaelic Ó Donndubháin, meaning 'descendant of Donndubhán'. The personal name Donndubhán combines donn ('brown' or 'dark') and dubh ('black'), often interpreted as 'dark-haired' or 'dark lord'. The name has been used as a given name primarily in the United States since the early 20th century.
Where Donavan is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Don, Donny, Dono
Sibling names for Donavan
Names that share Donavan's style, for a brother or sister.
