Donovan surname: meaning and origin
Donovan means descendant of Donnabhán, a name of uncertain meaning, usually linked to donn, brown. It is a native Gaelic Irish family from Cork and Limerick.
| Irish form | Ó Donnabháin |
|---|---|
| Meaning | descendant of Donnabhán, a name of uncertain meaning, usually linked to donn, brown |
| Home region | Cork and Limerick (Munster) |
| Origin | Gaelic |
| Variants | O'Donovan |
History of the Donovan name
The O'Donovans moved from Limerick to west Cork in the twelfth century and held lands around Clonakilty.
More surnames from Munster
- Barryde Barra · from Barry
- O'BrienÓ Briain · descendant of Brian
- CahillÓ Cathail · descendant of Cathal
- O'CallaghanÓ Ceallacháin · descendant of Ceallachán
- McCarthyMac Cárthaigh · son of Cárthach
- CaseyÓ Cathasaigh · descendant of Cathasach
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname Donovan mean?
Donovan (Irish: Ó Donnabháin) means descendant of Donnabhán, a name of uncertain meaning, usually linked to donn, brown.
What is the Irish spelling of Donovan?
The Irish-language form of Donovan is Ó Donnabháin.
Where is the surname Donovan from?
Donovan is a native Gaelic Irish family, associated with Cork and Limerick in Munster.
What are other spellings of Donovan?
Related spellings and forms include O'Donovan.