Donovan is a name of Irish origin and means "descendant of Donovan" or "dark warrior". It has been used for centuries in Ireland, but it gained popularity worldwide in the 20th century, especially in English-speaking countries.
The name Donovan is derived from the Irish surname O'Donovan, which was originally an sept name meaning "descendant of Donaghaidh", a personal name that means "dark warrior". The prefix "O'" indicates that it was originally a patronymic surname, meaning it was passed down through the male line.
The name Donovan has been used as a given name since the 19th century, but it became more popular in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States. In fact, its usage peaked in the 1960s and 1970s, with it being one of the top 500 most popular boy names during those decades.
Some notable people named Donovan include the American singer-songwriter Donovan Philips Leitch, known simply as Donovan, who was popular in the 1960s; and the Irish writer Dominic Behan, whose brother Brendan wrote the play "The Hostage", which features a character named Donavan (spelled with one 'n').
Overall, Donovan is a strong and distinctive name of Irish origin that carries a rich history behind it. Its meaning adds to its appeal, suggesting strength and darkness or mystery. Despite its popularity in the mid-20th century, it remains a classic choice for parents looking for a unique yet meaningful name for their son.
In the United States, the name Donovan experienced a slight increase in popularity between the years of 1985 and 1990, with a total of 12 babies born during this five-year period. In 1985, there were 5 births with the name Donovan, while in 1990, that number rose to 7 births. This shows a steady and consistent usage of the name over time.