Donnovan Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Donnovan is an Irish name meaning 'dark warrior', derived from the surname Ó Donnabháin. It has evolved through various forms over time, reflecting a rich cultural heritage. Although it has no biblical relevance, it has gained popularity in recent decades as a contemporary and unique name choice, associated with notable individuals who have made significant contributions in their fields.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Donnovan"
Pronunciation
/ˈdɒnəvən/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
The name Donnovan is derived from the Irish surname 'Ó Donnabháin', which means 'descendant of Donnabhán'. The name Donnabhán itself is a diminutive form of the name Donn, meaning 'brown' or 'dark'.
Meaning
dark warrior
Language Evolution
Donnabhán, Ó Donnabháin, Donnovan
Historical Usage
Donnovan has been used as a given name since the late 20th century, gaining popularity in English-speaking countries as a unique alternative to more common names.
Variants & Derivatives
Donovan, Donovan, Donny
Modern Popularity & Image
Donnovan is perceived as a modern and distinct name, often associated with creativity and individuality.
Famous People
Donovan Bailey - Canadian sprinter and Olympic gold medalist, Donovan McNabb - Former American football quarterback, Donovan - American singer-songwriter
📊 Donnovan Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Donnovan Name Visualizations
✨ Donnovan Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 37 peak births in 2007
Geographic Spread
Popular across 3 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 4 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Donnovan"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Donnovan"
"Donnovan" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 6561st of 10718 | 33 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 6030th of 16616 | 104 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 4215th of 24088 | 334 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 9975th of 23106 | 75 |
Regional Popularity of "Donnovan" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
67.73% 3031st/4475 |
- |
63.94% 4039th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
68.67% 5022nd/7313 |
41.46% 3094th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Donnovan" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Donnovan"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Donnovan" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Donnovan" in the United States
The name Donnovan is most popular in California, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Donnovan has been stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Donnovan' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 6561st out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 6030th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 4215th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 9975th out of 23106 names. Discover how the name 'Donnovan' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.