Donahue is an Irish surname and given name of Irish origin. The name is derived from the Irish Gaelic name "O'Dubhthaigh," which means "descendant of Dubthach." Dubthach, in turn, is a personal name that means "dark river" or "black water."
The Donahue surname has a rich history dating back to ancient Ireland. The family originated from the province of Connacht and were known as one of the "Four Masters of Ireland," who compiled the "Annals of the Four Masters," a comprehensive chronicle of Irish history.
Over time, the name evolved through various spelling variations, including O'Donahue, Donoghue, Dunne, and others. As people migrated from Ireland to other parts of the world, particularly during the Great Famine in the mid-19th century, the name became more widely dispersed.
In recent years, Donahue has gained popularity as a given name for boys in English-speaking countries. It is often chosen for its unique sound and Irish heritage. However, it's important to note that while Donahue is typically associated with Ireland, it can also be found among other Celtic cultures.
Overall, the name Donahue is strongly connected to Irish history and culture, making it a fitting choice for parents looking for a name with deep roots and meaningful origins.
The name Donahue has seen a fluctuating number of births over the years in the United States. The earliest record we have is from 1962, with only five babies named Donahue born that year. This number doubled the following year to ten births in 1963.
However, there was a significant drop in popularity after 1963, with only five births recorded again in 1969. The name then experienced another brief resurgence in the early 70s, with six births each in 1970 and 1972, followed by another dip to five births in 1973.
After a gap of several years without any data on Donahue births, we pick up again in 1978 with another five births. This trend continued into the late 80s and early 90s, with five births recorded both in 1989 and 1992.
Overall, between 1962 and 1992, there were a total of fifty-nine babies named Donahue born in the United States. Despite its ups and downs in popularity over these years, it's clear that the name Donahue has maintained a consistent presence among newborns during this period.