Donovan
Donovan is a boy name of Irish origin meaning “Dark warrior”, pronounced DON-uh-vun. It ranked #496 in the United States in 2025, given to 609 babies, and peaked at #176 in 2003. Common nicknames: Don, Donny.
How popular is 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.
What does Donovan mean, and where does it come from?
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.
How is Donovan used 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.
What are the 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
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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.