Donny

♂ Boy

Pronounced DON-ee /ˈdɑn.i/High

Meaning: Pet form of Donald — Gaelic Domhnall, 'ruler of the world' — Osmond-warmHigh

In 30 seconds: World ruler at the sock hop: Donny pets the Gaelic Domhnall — puppy-love Osmond chart history included. Mighty root, malt-shop finish.

💕 Browse more names

Origin HighScottish, Gaelic

MeaningPet form of Donald — Gaelic Domhnall, 'ruler of the world' — Osmond-warm

U.S. rank (2025)#3872 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births28 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1977

Total births (all-time)≈ 12,885

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Donny is a pet form of Donald — Gaelic Domhnall, 'world ruler', the great clan name. Donny Osmond and Big Lebowski's bowler keep it spinning.

It registers thinly today. Rare, world-ruler at the root, and jukebox-warm.

Did you know? Donny Osmond hit number one at 14 with 'Go Away Little Girl' — the world-ruler name in purple socks.

Overall data confidence 82%

Behind the Name — Donald — root etymology

Variations

DonnieDonaldDon

Nicknames

Don

Famous Bearers

★Donny Osmond (1957–present)
American singer and entertainer.

If you like Donny…

Donnie— the -ie twin spelling

Donald— the clan-chief original

Danny— the rhyming retro pal

Ronny— a fellow -nny mid-century pick

Explore names like Donny

By themenickname-name gaelic retro

By meaningRoyal / Noble

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Donny mean?

Donny pets Donald, Gaelic for 'ruler of the world'.

How do you pronounce Donny?

It's said DON-ee /ˈdɑn.i/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Donny a boy or girl name?

Donny is a boy's name.

How popular is Donny?

Donny is a rare name in the U.S. today.