Names that go with Donovan
Sibling names that sit well next to Donovan: close in style and era, different enough in sound that each child keeps a name of their own. Ranked from the data on the names’ own pages. Names that rhyme with Donovan or would answer to the same nickname are set apart below.
Sister names
Kelly Irish · from the Irish surname O Ceallaigh, traditionally 'bright-headed'
both classic names · popular in the same decades
Larkin Irish · Irish surname, 'descendant of Lorcán (fierce)'
both classic names · popular in the same decades
Shea Irish · anglicized form of Seaghdha, 'admirable, hawk-like'
both classic names · popular in the same decades
Nora Irish · "honor," by way of Honora, the form Ireland made its own; also the pet form of Eleanora in Scandinavia and beyond. Long after its Ibsen heroine slammed the door, it returned as a sleek vintage favorite
both classic names · popular in the same decades
Kendall English · place name, "valley of the river Kent"
both classic names · popular in the same decades
Riley Irish · two true sources: the Irish surname O Raghallaigh, its root debated, and an English place name meaning "rye clearing"; either way a surname that crossed over, went unisex in the 1990s, and settled in as an American favorite with an easy grin
both surname style names · popular in the same decades
Lennon Irish · surname Ó Leannáin, traditionally "lover" or "cloak"
both surname style names · popular in the same decades
Ava Latin · traditionally linked to avis, "bird," though its root is debated: medieval Avas may have carried a Germanic name or a form of Eve, "life." Borne by a ninth-century saint and by the first named woman poet in German, and reborn as a sleek modern favorite
both classic names · popular in the same decades
Paige English · "page," the young attendant learning a knight's trade, an occupational surname turned first name; it rose through the 1980s and 90s on one crisp syllable. Tailored, modern, and quietly medieval
both classic names · popular in the same decades
Murphy Irish · surname Ó Murchadha, "sea warrior"
both surname style names · popular in the same decades
Brother names
Brady Irish · surname Ó Brádaigh, traditionally "spirited"
both classic names · popular in the same decades
Grady Irish · surname Ó Grádaigh, traditionally "noble, illustrious"
both classic names · popular in the same decades
Devin Irish · surname Ó Damhain, meaning uncertain, traditionally "poet"
both classic names · popular in the same decades
Maxwell Scottish · "Maccus's stream," a pool on the River Tweed that grew into a great Scottish surname; adopted as a first name largely as the full-dress route to Max, with a hint of the manor about it. Sturdy, polished, and warm at the core
both classic names · popular in the same decades
Gannon Irish · from an Irish surname, traditionally 'fair-headed, fair one'
both classic names · popular in the same decades
Emmet Irish · surname-style honoring patriot Robert Emmet; a distinctive heritage name
both classic names · popular in the same decades
Flynn Irish · Irish surname 'descendant of the red-haired one'
both classic names · popular in the same decades
Trevor Welsh · from a Welsh place name meaning 'large settlement'
both classic names · popular in the same decades
Grant Scottish · "great, tall," from the Anglo-Norman graund, the nickname that became a Highland clan; in America it carries a general-turned-president's surname weight. One syllable, square shoulders, no nickname required
both classic names · popular in the same decades
Liam Irish · the short form Ireland made of Uilliam, or William, "will" and "helmet"; a nickname that went out on its own, left Ireland, and climbed to #1 in America for a record run. Brisk, warm, and complete at four letters
both classic names · popular in the same decades
Might feel like a matched set
Strong fits on style and era that sit close to Donovan in sound. Flagged so the call is yours.
Callahan Callahan and Donovan share the -an ending and the same beat count
Sullivan Sullivan and Donovan share the -an ending and the same beat count
Finnegan Finnegan and Donovan share the -an ending and the same beat count
Killian Killian and Donovan share the -an ending and the same beat count
Jonathan Jonathan and Donovan share the -an ending and the same beat count
Finnian Finnian and Donovan share the -an ending and the same beat count
Which of these fits YOUR family? →