The name Donovan has its origins in the Irish language, where it is derived from the Gaelic words "donn" meaning "brown" and "aven" meaning "river" or "valley." The name is thought to have emerged during the medieval period in Ireland, referring to someone who lived near a brown river or in a brown valley.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Donovan can be found in the Irish Annals, which mention a Donovan O'Brien who was the King of Thomond in the 12th century. This suggests that the name was already in use as a given name among the Irish nobility during that time.

In the 13th century, the name appears in the form "Donnubhan" in the Annals of Loch Cé, referring to a member of the O'Donnubhain clan. This clan was based in County Cork, and the name's association with this region further reinforces its Irish origins.

One of the most famous historical figures to bear the name Donovan was Donovan O'Malley (c. 1460-1536), a chieftain of the O'Malley clan in County Mayo, Ireland. He was known for his naval exploits and his leadership during the Tudor conquest of Ireland.

In the 16th century, the name Donovan appears in the English translation of the Irish Annals, where it is used to refer to members of the O'Donovan clan, a prominent Gaelic family in County Cork.

Another notable Donovan was Donovan Leitch (1946-2012), a Scottish singer-songwriter and guitarist who was a leading figure in the British folk and psychedelic rock movements of the 1960s. He was known for his hits such as "Mellow Yellow" and "Sunshine Superman."

Other historical figures with the name Donovan include Donovan Wylie (born 1971), a Northern Irish photographer and artist known for his work documenting the landscape and architecture of Northern Ireland; Donovan Reid (born 1957), a Canadian actor and voice artist; and Donovan Ricketts (born 1977), a Jamaican former professional soccer goalkeeper.