The name Donn is of Irish origin and has a rich history behind it. It is derived from the Old Irish word "don," which means "brown" or "chestnut." This name was originally associated with a legendary Irish god known as Donn, who was believed to be the god of death and the underworld.
According to Celtic mythology, Donn was said to have lived on an island off the coast of Ireland called Tech Duinn, which translates to "House of Donn." He was often depicted as a giant with a dark complexion, reflecting his association with storms and darkness. It was believed that Donn would carry the souls of the dead across the sea to the otherworld, where they would be judged for their deeds in life.
The name Donn has been used as a given name in Ireland for centuries, but it became more popular during the 19th century as part of the Irish Celtic Revival movement. Today, Donn remains a relatively uncommon but distinctive name that carries with it a sense of history and mystique rooted in ancient Irish folklore.
The name Donn experienced a notable rise and fall over the years. Its popularity peaked in 1949 with an impressive 341 births, likely due to its simplicity and uniqueness at that time. However, it began to decline thereafter, reaching its lowest point in recent years with only 5 births recorded in 2023. Overall, the name has seen 6548 births since 1912.