Recent in Baby
When Baby Resists SolidsWhen Baby Resists SolidsBaby Biting TipsBaby Biting Tips5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair Injuries5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair InjuriesWhen Baby and Pet MeetWhen Baby and Pet MeetTreatments for ColicTreatments for ColicBaby Milestones – The First YearBaby Milestones – The First YearTips for Relieving Teething PainTips for Relieving Teething PainBenefits of Making Your Own Baby FoodBenefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

Home › Baby Names Directory › Donnovan

Donnovan

♂ Boy

Pronounced DON-uh-vun /ˈdɒn.ə.vən/Medium

Meaning: A respelling of Donovan, from the Irish surname O Donnabhain, 'descendant of Donndubhan' — 'dark; dark-haired' (donn, 'brown/dark,' + dubh, 'black'). Sturdy and Irish.Low

In 30 seconds: A sturdy Irish name: Donnovan respells Donovan, 'dark-haired chieftain' (said 'DON-uh-vun').
💕 Browse more names
Origin MediumIrish
MeaningA respelling of Donovan, from the Irish surname O Donnabhain, 'descendant of Donndubhan' — 'dark; dark-haired' (donn, 'brown/dark,' + dubh, 'black'). Sturdy and Irish.
U.S. rank (2019)#11127 ↗ Rising
2019 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2007
Total births (all-time)≈ 546

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200719702019

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Donnovan respells Donovan, from the Irish surname O Donnabhain, 'descendant of the dark one' ('dark; dark-haired'). It reads sturdy and Celtic — rare in the U.S. (said 'DON-uh-vun').

It appears only rarely in U.S. data. Extremely rare, sturdy, and Irish-rooted.

Did you know? Donnovan is a doubled-n spelling of Donovan, from the Irish for 'dark; dark-haired' (donn + dubh) — strong and heritage-rich (said 'DON-uh-vun').
Overall data confidence 46%
References — Donnovan — respelling of Donovan; Irish 'dark-haired'

Variations

DonovanDonavanDonavon

Nicknames

DonVan

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Donnovan…

Donovan— the name it respells
Donavan— a spelling cousin
Sullivan— a like Irish surname name
Donivan— a fellow Irish choice
Callahan— shares the -an ending

Explore names like Donnovan

By themeirishsurnamerespellingsturdy

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Donnovan mean?

Donnovan is a respelling of Donovan, from the Irish for 'dark; dark-haired' (donn + dubh).

How do you pronounce Donnovan?

It's said DON-uh-vun /ˈdɒn.ə.vən/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Donnovan a boy or girl name?

Donnovan is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Donnovan?

Donnovan is an extremely rare name in the U.S.

💬 Ask Nia