Declan
Full of goodness, man of prayer — a boy name of Irish origin
Popularity of Declan in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Declan
Declan is an anglicized form of the Irish name Deaglán, whose exact etymology is debated but is often interpreted as meaning "full of goodness" or "man of prayer." The name is associated with Saint Declan of Ardmore, a 5th-century Irish saint who is said to have preceded Saint Patrick in bringing Christianity to Ireland. Saint Declan founded a monastery at Ardmore in County Waterford, which became an important center of learning. The name remained primarily Irish for centuries but has gained international popularity since the 2000s, particularly in the United States, where it entered the top 100 names. Declan's Celtic charm and strong sound have made it a favorite among parents seeking distinctive yet accessible names.
Declan Around the World
Declan is used in 2 languages worldwide.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Declan
Famous People Named Declan
- Declan Donnelly — British television presenter, one half of Ant & Dec
- Elvis Costello (born Declan MacManus) — English singer-songwriter and musician
- Declan Rice — English professional footballer
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Sibling Name Ideas for Declan
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Declan mean?
Declan is a boy name of Irish origin meaning "Full of goodness, man of prayer." Declan is an anglicized form of the Irish name Deaglán, whose exact etymology is debated but is often interpreted as meaning "full of goodness" or "man of prayer." The name is associated with Saint Declan of Ardmore, a 5th-century Irish saint who is said to have preceded Saint Patrick in bringing Christianity to Ireland.
How do you pronounce Declan?
Declan is pronounced DEK-lin. Common variations include Deaglán, Deklan, Declyn.
Is Declan a boy name?
Yes, Declan is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Dec, Dex, Dee.
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