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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Donovan as a baby name

43 replies

ThatPeachSquid · 31/05/2025 12:20

I’m having a baby boy in October and wondering what people think of the name
Donovan? My dad’s side is originally Irish so
it links nicely to that. Thought Donnie and Don would be nice nicknames. We were looking for a nice solid name that’s unique but not too try hard

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Moreteaandchocolate · 31/05/2025 14:08

I like some surname names but I’m not keen on Donovan / Donny - it could grow on me though.

TasWair · 31/05/2025 12:59

I also think of the dinger Donovan, and I gather that he's a bit of an arse. I don't think that this is a connection that would be made only by the older generation either- even my parents are too young to remember Donovan when he was in his prime!

Emanwenym · 31/05/2025 12:56

It's not as bad as Cassidy, Rafferty, Casey, Lennon, McKenzie or Meredith, but they get some love on here, while others think they're dreadful.

I'm in the 'dreadful' group. They are fine as surnames.

Original poster
ThatPeachSquid · 31/05/2025 12:51

We were thinking he’d go by Donnie/Donny

OP posts:
Sassybooklover · 31/05/2025 12:46

This is my friend's youngest son's name.
He is called Donny for short.

Viviennemary · 31/05/2025 12:37

It's dire. 60's hippie pop star.

romdowa · 31/05/2025 12:36

Irish surnames as first names are a bit tacky and American 🙈 sorry op

Andoutcomethewolves · 31/05/2025 12:36

MrsMoastyToasty · 31/05/2025 12:29

There was a British singer called Donovan who had hits in the 60s.

I'm glad I'm not the only person whose mind went there instead of Jason! 🤣

Emanwenym · 31/05/2025 12:29

Jason

spring1979 · 31/05/2025 12:29

SunshineAndFizz · 31/05/2025 12:27

I just think of Jason, sorry.

Me too,maybe it’s an age thing 😂

MrsMoastyToasty · 31/05/2025 12:29

There was a British singer called Donovan who had hits in the 60s.

desperatedaysareover · 31/05/2025 12:29

Like it!

MagicalMystical · 31/05/2025 12:28

I know a Donovan in his teens, lovely lad. Go for it.

SunshineAndFizz · 31/05/2025 12:27

I just think of Jason, sorry.

OchonAgusOchonOh · 31/05/2025 12:26

I've never heard it used as a first name in Ireland, only a surname so for me, it would be a no.

How about Donnacha or Donal?

Andoutcomethewolves · 31/05/2025 12:25

I like it but honestly it would make me think of the singer, so depends if you mind that!

Holdonforsummer · 31/05/2025 12:22

I quite like it!

Gundogday · 31/05/2025 12:21

I love it, and if I had another child (which isn’t going to he happen), it would be on my list.

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