Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Declan
BoyIrish· “uncertain; often said full of goodness”
- Meaning
- uncertain; often said full of goodness (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- DEHK-luhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #139
- US babies 2025
- 2,570
- Best rank
- #95 (2019)
- Peak year
- 2019
Meaning and origin of Declan
Declan is often said to mean “uncertain; often said full of goodness”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish roots.
Declan is the anglicized form of the Irish Deaglán, a name of uncertain meaning; it is often said to mean "full of goodness", but the etymology is not settled. Saint Declan of Ardmore was an early Irish missionary in the region that is now County Waterford, where his feast is still marked and pilgrims visit his holy well. The name was long used mostly in Ireland before becoming popular across the English-speaking world. Declan has a crisp, lively sound and a clear Irish identity. It is easy to pronounce once seen, and Dec is a friendly short form.
Popularity over time
Declan first appears in US Social Security records in 1951. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 28 different years, starting in 1998. Its best national rank was #95 in 2019, the same year it reached its highest count of 3,971 babies. In 2025, 2,570 babies were named Declan, and it ranked #139 nationally. That is 28% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #5,689 in 1980, #545 in 2000, #274 in 2010, and #139 in 2025. Of the 58,547 US boys named Declan since records began, 53% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 18,742 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Leonardo, Axel, Jameson, Ryker, and Carson.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Declan ranked highest in Delaware, Montana, and Wyoming.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware | #69 | 14 |
| Montana | #70 | 16 |
| Wyoming | #74 | 6 |
| New Hampshire | #76 | 20 |
| Pennsylvania | #77 | 155 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Declan over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Declan is usually pronounced DEHK-luhn, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with D and ends in “-an”.
Middle names for Declan
A few middle names that flow with Declan: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Declan
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Lists that include Declan
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Declan mean?
Declan is often said to mean “uncertain; often said full of goodness”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish roots.
What is the origin of the name Declan?
Declan has Irish roots. Declan is the anglicized form of the Irish Deaglán, a name of uncertain meaning; it is often said to mean "full of goodness", but the etymology is not settled.
Is Declan a popular name?
Yes. Declan ranked #139 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Declan a boy or girl name?
Declan is mainly a boy's name. About 99% of US babies named Declan over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Declan?
Declan is usually pronounced DEHK-luhn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings