Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Donn is an Irish name meaning 'brown' or 'dark', originating from the Gaelic word. It has evolved through various forms in the Irish language, retaining its original meaning. The name is linked to a mythological figure and has been popular among the Gaelic nobility. It is perceived as a traditional name with strong cultural roots, and notable individuals with this name include athletes and authors.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/dɒn/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
The name Donn is derived from the Gaelic word 'donn', meaning 'brown' or 'dark'. It is associated with a figure in Irish mythology, Donn, the god of the dead.
Meaning
brown, dark
Language Evolution
Old Irish: Donn, Middle Irish: Donn, Modern Irish: Donn
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in Ireland during the medieval period, particularly among the Gaelic nobility.
Variants & Derivatives
Don, Donald, Donnell
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Donn is often seen as a traditional Irish name, carrying connotations of strength and heritage.
Famous People
Donnacha Ryan, Irish rugby player, Donn Byrne, Irish author
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 341 peak births in 1949
Geographic Spread
Popular across 29 US states, with strongest presence in Minnesota
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 9 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (10 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 10 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1155th of 7545 | 598 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 667th of 6773 | 1,589 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 587th of 7552 | 3,138 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1103rd of 10718 | 886 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 3589th of 16616 | 236 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 10865th of 24088 | 72 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 13917th of 23106 | 34 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 8106th of 12526 | 32 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 11760th of 19264 | 30 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
43.36% 614th/1416 |
65.63% 905th/1379 |
- |
50.53% 577th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
26.33% 407th/1546 |
39.78% 619th/1556 |
89.97% 2117th/2353 |
28.05% 434th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
17.83% 397th/2227 |
24.28% 590th/2430 |
46.27% 1320th/2853 |
17.15% 476th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
32.89% 966th/2937 |
31.84% 1109th/3483 |
61.74% 2172nd/3518 |
25.94% 1049th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Minnesota across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Baby Boomers generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1155th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 667th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 587th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1103rd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3589th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 10865th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 13917th out of 23106 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 8106th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 11760th out of 19264 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.