Declining since 2000.
Popularity of Donovon since 1969
Babies named Donovon per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 7 |
| 1970s | 72 |
| 1980s | 83 |
| 1990s | 214 |
| 2000s | 211 |
| 2010s | 65 |
| 2020s | 8 |
Meaning & origin
Donovon is a phonetic variant of the Irish surname Donovan, which has been used as a first name in the United States since at least 1969. The name peaked in usage in 1999 but has been on a declining trajectory since 2000, reflecting a broader retreat from creatively spelled versions of traditional names. While Donovon has never entered the national top 1000, its similarity to the more familiar Donovan gives it a recognizable but distinctive quality. Parents may be drawn to its Irish roots and the friendly nickname options Don, Donny, or Von. The spelling Donovon remains uncommon, making it a choice for those seeking individuality without straying far from established naming conventions.
Donovon is a respelled variant of Donovan, an Irish surname derived from Ó Donndubháin meaning 'descendant of Donndubhán'. Donndubhán combines donn ('brown' or 'dark') and dubh ('black'), with a diminutive suffix, thus 'little dark one'. The name Donovan became popular as a first name in the 20th century, and Donovon emerged as a phonetic spelling. It has been recorded in the United States since 1969, with peak usage in 1999.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Don, Donny, Von
Sibling names for Donovon
Names that share Donovon's style, for a brother or sister.
