Donovan is a distinctive boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #878 in 2010 with 33 recorded births. This places Donovan in the top 15% of ranked UK boys' names for the year. Its actual usage is classified as Uncommon. The name reached its all-time peak in 2008 with 34 births ranking #818. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 37.5%. In 2010, approximately 1 in every 10,492 boys born was named Donovan. RISING Recent data shows the name is currently rising.
Donovan is an Irish name usually linked with ideas of dark colouring and chieftainship. It has a smooth surname-style shape but deeper roots than many modern names of that kind.
The name has long existed in Irish surname tradition and later became a first name in its own right. Its modern popularity comes from combining Celtic heritage with a polished contemporary sound.