Donovan Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Donovan come from? What does the surname Donovan mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Donovan and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Donovan Origin: What does the last name Donovan mean?
The surname Donovan is of Irish origin, derived from the name Donnub√°n mac Cathail. It first appeared in records from Ireland in the early 17th century and showed significant growth in the 18th century, particularly in the United States. By the 20th century, the Donovan surname had spread globally, with prominent populations found in countries such as Ireland, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Donovan surname in the United Kingdom since the early 10th century. The name steadily expanded over the centuries, appearing in various countries worldwide. Today, Donovan remains a prevalent surname with a rich heritage, reflecting its Irish roots and global reach across different regions and cultures.
Donovan Last Name History: Where did the last name Donovan come from?
Origin of Donovan Surname: Where does the last name Donovan originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Donovan first appeared in records from Ireland around the early 17th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Donovan spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Donovan: What does the Donovan surname history look like in the early days?
The Donovan surname remained closely associated with Ireland in the 17th century and showed significant growth in the 18th century, particularly in the United States. YourRoots data also shows Donovan family records in other countries, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Donovan surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Donovan surname grew significantly in the United States. The Donovan surname remains prominent in the United States and can be found in many countries, including Ireland, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Explore Donovan last name heritage and Donovan surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Donovan Surame?
Jeffrey Donovan
Jeffrey Thomas Donovan (May 11, 1968 - ) is an American actor known for his role as Michael Westen in the popular television series Burn Notice. He has also appeared in films such as Hitch and Changeling. Donovan has showcased his versatility by playing iconic historical figures like Robert F. Kennedy and John F. Kennedy in various productions. With a strong background in theater and television, Donovan has earned critical acclaim for his performances and has a dedicated fan following. Aside from his acting career, Donovan is also a dedicated martial artist and philanthropist, supporting causes like empowering individuals with spinal cord injuries through Life Rolls On.
Landon Donovan
Landon Timothy Donovan (born Mar 4, 1982) is a retired American soccer player and coach, known for his success with the San Jose Earthquakes and Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League Soccer (MLS). Donovan is considered one of the greatest U.S. men's players of all time, holding records for international assists and goals. He played in multiple FIFA World Cups and was a key figure in popularizing soccer in the U.S. Donovan's legacy includes six MLS Cups, numerous awards, and a successful coaching career post-retirement.
Elisa Donovan
Elisa Donovan (February 3, 1971 - ) is an American actress known for her role as Amber Mariens in the iconic 1995 teen comedy film Clueless, where she also reprised her role in the TV series. She also played Morgan Cavanaugh in Sabrina the Teenage Witch and appeared in A Night at the Roxbury and Beverly Hills, 90210. Donovan has showcased her talent in various films and TV shows and even competed on Worst Cooks in America. With a successful acting career and a published book, she continues to captivate audiences with her charm and talent.
Neil Goldman and Garrett Donovan
Neil Goldman (b. April 5, 1975) and Garrett Donovan are a dynamic television writing duo known for their work on popular comedies like Family Guy, Scrubs, and Community. They have also dabbled in developing shows like Nobody's Watching and Superior Donuts. The character Neil Goldman in Family Guy is actually named after Neil Goldman himself, showcasing their impact on the entertainment industry. Their witty humor and creative storytelling have left a lasting mark on television, making them a well-respected pair in the world of comedy writing.
Drew Donovan
Andrew "Drew" Donovan III is a fictional character known for his appearances in the American soap opera Days of Our Lives. Portrayed by Charles Shaughnessy, Drew is a complex character involved in various storylines across different time periods on the show. From being an assassin to developing a crucial device, Drew's actions have made him a memorable figure in the soap opera world. His relationships with other characters and his involvement in major plot points have solidified his place in soap opera history.
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