Names like Donovan
Donovan is a three-syllable Irish name that ends in -an. Each list below follows one of those threads on its own, so you can see exactly what the names share.
The same sound
Three syllables, ending the same way as Donovan.
Damian Greek · traditionally "to tame, subdue," from Damianos; a physician saint of the early church, patron of doctors, gave it centuries of quiet European use before America warmed to its dark-velvet sound in the 2000s
Sullivan Irish · surname Ó Súilleabháin, traditionally "dark eyes"
Finnegan Irish · Irish surname meaning 'descendant of Fionnagán', from 'fionn' (fair, white)
Jonathan Hebrew · "Yahweh has given," from the Hebrew Yehonatan; in the Bible the prince whose loyalty to David defined friendship. A steady Anglo-American classic for three centuries that folds warmly to Jon and Johnny without being John
The same roots
Also Irish names, from the tradition Donovan comes from.
Callahan Irish · Irish surname meaning 'descendant of Ceallachán', traditionally linked to 'strife' or 'bright-headed'
Deegan Irish · anglicized from Ó Duibhginn, traditionally 'dark-haired'
Quinlan Irish · Irish surname, traditionally 'descendant of Caoinlean' (slender, graceful)
Devin Irish · surname Ó Damhain, meaning uncertain, traditionally "poet"
The same feel
Also classic and surname style names.
Harrison English · "son of Harry," which made it "son of Henry" at one remove; a surname carried by two US presidents, it joined the first-name ranks in the 1980s and kept the vintage warmth of Harry inside a suit-and-tie surname
Dean English · surname/title, "valley" or church official
Anderson Scandinavian · surname, "son of Andrew"; Brazil turned it into a first name and made it a defining boy name of the 1980s and 90s
Desmond Irish · "from South Munster"
Names of the same moment
Each of these is at its highest in the 2000s, the same decade as Donovan, on a similar curve.
Finnian Irish · traditionally 'fair, white'; borne by early Irish saints
Brendan Irish · prince, or raven; a beloved classic honoring the seafaring St. Brendan
Fabian Latin · from Fabius, traditionally "bean grower"
Esteban Spanish · form of Stephen, Greek "crown"
Which of these fits YOUR family? →