MallowbyNames

Donivan

DAH-ni-van · Of uncertain origin; likely a modern coinage blending elements from names like Donovan and Ivan.

2025 rank (boys)
#12,008
Babies named in 2025
5
Peak popularity
2007
2025 frequency
1 in 341,615 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Declining since 2008

Declining since 2008, #12,008 for boys today.

Popularity of Donivan since 1913

Babies named Donivan per year in U.S. Social Security records.

193756192019602000Most births 2007Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1910s23
1920s15
1930s18
1940s17
1950s30
1960s34
1970s63
1980s101
1990s234
2000s419
2010s187
2020s40

Meaning & origin

Donivan is a modern American invention, reflecting a trend of blending established name elements to create unique identities. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1913 but remained rare for decades, experiencing a brief surge in the early 2000s. Its peak year was 2007, after which its usage entered a steady decline. The name has no strong regional concentration, as it has never been recorded in any top state rankings. With a current incidence of roughly 1 in 341,615 newborns, Donivan remains an uncommon choice that appeals to parents seeking a familiar-sounding yet distinctive name.

Donivan appears to be a modern American invented name, formed by combining the familiar sounds of Donovan (an Irish surname derived from Donndubhán) and Ivan (the Slavic form of John). It first entered U.S. birth records in 1913 but saw sporadic use until the mid-20th century, with a notable peak in the 2000s. The name does not have a traditional etymology or cultural background.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Don, Donnie, Van

Variants: Donavan, Donoven

Sibling names for Donivan

Names that share Donivan's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

D is for Donivan, our favorite little boy.

D is for Donivan…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Donivan's letter becomes Donivan's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

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Questions parents ask

What does the name Donivan mean?
Donivan does not have a historical meaning. It is a modern invented name, likely formed from parts of names like Donovan and Ivan.
How popular is the name Donivan?
As of 2025, Donivan ranked 12,008 in the U.S., with about 1 in every 341,615 male births receiving the name. Its peak popularity was in 2007.
Is Donivan a boy's or girl's name?
Donivan is almost exclusively used as a boy's name.