Donovan
Dark warrior — a boy name of Irish origin
Popularity of Donovan 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 Donovan
Donovan is an anglicization of the Irish surname Ó Donndubháin, combining "donn" (brown) and "dubh" (dark), often interpreted as "dark warrior" or "dark chieftain." The name gained countercultural flair in the 1960s through the Scottish folk-rock musician known simply as Donovan. It carries a strong, melodic sound rooted deeply in Irish heritage.
Donovan Around the World
Donovan is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 1+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Donovan
Famous People Named Donovan
- Donovan — Scottish singer-songwriter
- Donovan McNabb — American NFL quarterback
- Landon Donovan — American soccer player (surname)
Similar Names to Donovan
If you like Donovan, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Donovan
Looking for names that pair well with Donovan? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Donovan mean?
Donovan is a boy name of Irish origin meaning "Dark warrior." Donovan is an anglicization of the Irish surname Ó Donndubháin, combining "donn" (brown) and "dubh" (dark), often interpreted as "dark warrior" or "dark chieftain." The name gained countercultural flair in the 1960s through the Scottish folk-rock musician known simply as Donovan.
How do you pronounce Donovan?
Donovan is pronounced DON-uh-vun. Common variations include Donavan, Donavon, Donnovan.
Is Donovan a boy name?
Yes, Donovan is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Don, Donny.
Explore Related Names
Need More Name Ideas?
Like Donovan? Our AI Name Generator suggests personalized baby names based on your preferences, surname, and cultural background.
Try Baby Name Generator