Donovan is an English name derived from the Gaelic name Dónall, which means brown-haired chieftain. Donovan has been used as a given name since the 19th century and became popular in the 1950s and 1960s. Donovan is also a surname, and notable people with the surname include the musician Donovan Leitch and the baseball player Donovan Mitchell. Donovan has been associated with several positive traits, including intelligence, creativity, and charisma. Donovan is a unisex name, although it is more commonly given to boys. Variants of Donovan include Donovon, Donaven, and Donnovan. Donovan has been featured in several works of fiction, including the character Donovan Reed in the TV show The O.C. and the character Donovan McNabb in the movie The Replacements. Donovan has a strong, masculine sound, which may contribute to its popularity as a given name. Donovan is a popular name for boys in several countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. Donovan has a positive cultural significance, as it is associated with several successful and influential people in various fields, such as music, sports, and entertainment.

The root form of Donovan is Donovan — meaning Son of The Dark One.

Donovan remains a beloved choice, ranking #16 in the US. Timeless appeal across cultures and generations.