Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Donovan
BoyIrish· “dark brown”
- Meaning
- dark brown
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- DON-uh-vun
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #496
- US babies 2025
- 609
- Best rank
- #176 (2003)
- Peak year
- 2003
Meaning and origin of Donovan
Donovan is an Irish name that means “dark brown”.
Donovan comes from the Irish surname Ó Donnabháin, meaning "descendant of Donndubhán." That personal name combines donn, meaning "brown," with dubh, meaning "dark" or "black," so it is often translated as "dark brown," probably describing hair or complexion. The O'Donovan family was an important clan in southern Ireland. As a first name Donovan became established in the United States during the twentieth century, and it was carried by the Scottish singer-songwriter Donovan. The name has a rhythmic, confident sound, with Don and Van as possible nicknames.
Popularity over time
Donovan first appears in US Social Security records in 1900. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 122 different years, starting in 1900. Its best national rank was #176 in 2003, the same year it reached its highest count of 2,211 babies. In 2025, 609 babies were named Donovan, and it ranked #496 nationally. That is 53% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #879 in 1920, #721 in 1950, #449 in 1980, #206 in 2000, #217 in 2010, and #496 in 2025. Of the 61,684 US boys named Donovan since records began, 31% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 12,289 babies. Since 2010, 16,404 more have been named Donovan.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Cesar, Dominick, Gage, Nicolas, and Brock.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Donovan ranked highest in New Jersey, California, and Virginia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | #315 | 27 |
| California | #376 | 91 |
| Virginia | #392 | 20 |
| Connecticut | #398 | 7 |
| Kansas | #402 | 9 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Donovan is usually pronounced DON-uh-vun, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with D and ends in “-an”.
Middle names for Donovan
A few middle names that flow with Donovan: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Donovan
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Lists that include Donovan
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Donovan mean?
Donovan is an Irish name that means “dark brown”.
What is the origin of the name Donovan?
Donovan has Irish roots. Donovan comes from the Irish surname Ó Donnabháin, meaning "descendant of Donndubhán." That personal name combines donn, meaning "brown," with dubh, meaning "dark" or "black," so it is often translated as "dark brown," probably describing hair or complexion.
Is Donovan a popular name?
Yes. Donovan ranked #496 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Donovan a boy or girl name?
Donovan is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Donovan?
Donovan is usually pronounced DON-uh-vun. 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