Declining since 2004, #495 for boys today.
Popularity of Donovan since 1900
Babies named Donovan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 83 |
| 1910s | 335 |
| 1920s | 719 |
| 1930s | 866 |
| 1940s | 717 |
| 1950s | 876 |
| 1960s | 1,813 |
| 1970s | 3,750 |
| 1980s | 4,553 |
| 1990s | 12,239 |
| 2000s | 19,329 |
| 2010s | 12,289 |
| 2020s | 4,115 |
Meaning & origin
Donovan, an Irish surname turned given name, has been in steady use in the United States since 1900. It reached its peak popularity in 2003, ranking among the top 500 names, but has been gradually declining since 2004, currently at rank 495 as of 2025 with about 1 in 2,805 newborn boys receiving the name. The name has been most popular in states like New Jersey, Kansas, and Idaho. Its appeal lies in its strong, melodic sound and Irish heritage, offering a distinctive alternative to more common Irish names like Liam or Sean. While no longer on the rise, Donovan remains a recognizable and well-liked choice for parents seeking a name with both history and a modern feel.
Donovan is an Anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Donndubháin, meaning 'descendant of Donndubhán.' The Gaelic elements 'donn' (brown, dark) and 'dubh' (black) combine with a diminutive suffix, often interpreted as 'little dark one' or 'dark warrior.' The name has been used as a given name in the United States since the late 19th century, particularly among Irish American families.
Where Donovan 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.
“Donovan” around the world
Where Donovan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
25
babies in 2024
Quebec
8
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Don, Donny
Variants: Donavan
Sibling names for Donovan
Names that share Donovan's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Donovan
Names whose popularity has moved with Donovan's over the last 50 years.
