Donovan

What does the baby name Donovan mean? Learn about what Donovan means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Donovan - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Donovan: D-O-N-O-V-A-N, is a 7-letter female given name.
Meaning of Donovan: Dark warrior.
Origin of Donovan: The name 'Donovan' has Irish origins. It is derived from the Irish surname Ó Donnabháin, which means 'descendant of Donndubhán'. The surname Donndubhán is composed of the elements donn, meaning 'brown' or 'dark', and dubhán, meaning 'little dark one'.; Irish Names
Popularity of Donovan: Donovan has been a moderately popular name for boys in the United States. It experienced its peak popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, likely influenced by the success of the folk singer Donovan. Since then, its popularity has gradually declined but has remained in consistent use.; Donovan currently has no likes. Be the first to like this name.

Etymology of Donovan

The name Donovan has a straightforward etymology. It is a patronymic surname derived from the Irish Gaelic Ó Donnabháin, meaning 'descendant of Donndubhán'. The name Donndubhán is a combination of the words donn, meaning 'brown' or 'dark', and dubhán, meaning 'little dark one'. Therefore, the name Donovan can be interpreted as 'descendant of the little dark one. '

Cultural Significance of Donovan

The name Donovan has cultural significance primarily within Irish and Celtic communities. It is associated with Irish heritage, history, and traditions. The name reflects the importance of family and ancestry in Irish culture, as it signifies being a descendant of Donndubhán and belonging to a specific lineage.