Donovan was the 461st most popular boys’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 609 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 2000s, its births are down about 52% in ten years, and it is projected to slip to #591 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among boys’ names, 2025 | #461 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 609 |
| Share of births | 1 in 4,985 |
| Peak decade | 2000s |
| Change over 10 years | −52% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #591 |
| In France, 2025 | #1,330 among boys’ names, 15 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Around the 2000s Donovan saw its greatest use before receding. Well below that mark today, it looks poised to ease down more.
What goes with it
Low and smooth with soft movement and breathy warmth plus a strong undercurrent. Nolan and Brennan belong in the same set.
Nicknames
- Don
- Van
- Donnie
Other spellings
Honouring a Donovan in the family
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Donovan is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English, French, Irish.
In France: #1,330 for boys in 2025.
Famous people named Donovan
- Donovan (born 1946)Scottish musician
- Donovan Bailey (born 1967)Canadian athlete, Olympic medalist
- Donovan Ricketts (born 1977)Jamaican association football player
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
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