Donovan is a moderately popular boys' name in United States, ranking #185 in 2005 with 2,186 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2003 with 2,211 births ranking #176. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 82.0%. In 2005, approximately 1 in every 914 boys born was named Donovan. STABLE Recent data shows the name is currently stable.
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.