Donavan
2025 SSA
Below 5 births
About Donavan
Donavan is a masculine name representing a variant spelling of the more common Donovan. With Irish origins, it derives from the Gaelic surname Ó Donndubháin, meaning 'descendant of Donndubhán' (dark brown-haired man). This alternate spelling maintains the name's Celtic heritage while offering a slightly different visual identity. Donavan gained moderate popularity in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s, influenced partly by various athletes and musicians bearing similar versions of the name. The name carries connotations of strength and traditional masculinity while remaining approachable. Though less common than Donovan, this spelling variation provides a subtle uniqueness without sacrificing recognizability or pronunciation clarity.
Donavan is also given to girls.
Pronounced duh-NAV-uhn.
As of October 2026, Donavan ranked #2426 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #659 in 1999.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank | Births | Per million |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | #1,735 | 87 | 45.3 |
| 2015 | #1,658 | 95 | 49.6 |
| 2016 | #1,928 | 76 | 40 |
| 2017 | #1,685 | 94 | 50.8 |
| 2018 | #1,926 | 77 | 42.4 |
| 2019 | #2,867 | 43 | 24 |
| 2020 | #2,474 | 52 | 30.1 |
| 2021 | #2,735 | 46 | 26.3 |
| 2022 | #3,170 | 38 | 21.8 |
| 2023 | #2,446 | 55 | 32.2 |
| 2024 | #3,225 | 37 | 21.5 |
| 2025 | #2,426 | 56 | 32.8 |
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Donavan on lists
Famous Donavans
- Donavan JohnsonBoy
American rapper