Find out how popular the first name Donn has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Donn by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Donn is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 99% of people named Donn being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Donn.

The history of the first name Donn

Donn is a masculine given name of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "donn," which means "brown" or "dark brown." It is believed to have originated in ancient Ireland, where it was initially used as a descriptive term for someone with brown hair or a dark complexion.

The name Donn has a strong connection to Irish mythology and folklore. In Irish legend, Donn was the name of a powerful chieftain or king who ruled over the mysterious island of Tír na nÓg, also known as the "Land of the Ever-Young." This mythical realm was believed to be a paradise where inhabitants never aged and lived in eternal youth and happiness.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Donn can be found in the ancient Irish text known as the "Lebor Gabála Érenn" (The Book of Invasions), which dates back to the 11th century. This work chronicles the legendary origins and early history of Ireland, including references to various kings and heroes bearing the name Donn.

Throughout Irish history, several notable figures have borne the name Donn. One of the most famous was Donn Cuailnge, a legendary warrior and hero from the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology, who was renowned for his bravery and prowess in battle. Another notable figure was Donn Bán mac Cuinn na mBocht (c. 1554–1637), an Irish poet and chieftain from County Roscommon.

In the 17th century, Donn Cúchonnacht Ó Dálaigh (c. 1615–1664) was an Irish poet and scholar who played a significant role in preserving and promoting the Irish language and literature during a period of cultural suppression. His works were highly influential and helped to sustain the rich tradition of Irish poetry.

Moving forward in time, Donn Piatt (1819–1891) was an American journalist, novelist, and politician from Ohio who served as a Union officer during the American Civil War. He was known for his outspoken views and controversial writings, which often challenged the political establishment of his time.

Another notable figure was Donn Byrne (1889–1928), an Irish novelist and playwright who achieved considerable success in the early 20th century with his works set in his native Ireland. His novels, such as "Messer Marco Polo" and "Blind Raftery," were widely popular and brought Irish culture and history to a broader audience.

These are just a few examples of the many individuals throughout history who have borne the name Donn, a name with deep roots in Irish culture and mythology, reflecting the rich heritage and storytelling traditions of the Emerald Isle.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Donn was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Donn, please contact us.

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