Origin & Meaning of the Donovan Surname
What does the last name Donovan mean?
The surname Donovan carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 40,410 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Donovan ranks as the #853 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Donovan come from?
The Donovan surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Donovan name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Donovan trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Donovan |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #853 |
| US Count (2010) | 40,410 |
| Per 100K People | 13.7 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Donovan
According to the US Census, the Donovan surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 40,410 Americans with the Donovan last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 92.94% |
| Black | 2.0% |
| Hispanic | 2.79% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.68% |
| Native American | 0.27% |
| Two or More Races | 1.33% |
Popularity of Donovan Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Donovan surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Donovan surname increased by 1,140 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Donovan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Donovan
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