Declan is a name of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "declán," which means "full of good fortune." It is believed to have been brought to Ireland by Saint Declan, who was said to have lived in the fifth century and performed many miracles during his lifetime. The name gained popularity in Ireland due to his reputation for holiness and has since become a popular choice among Irish families.
In terms of its meaning, Declan signifies "full of good fortune" or "man of good fortune." This interpretation suggests that people named Declan are believed to be blessed with luck and prosperity throughout their lives. However, it is important to note that the name's significance can vary depending on cultural and personal interpretations.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures named Declan. One such figure was Saint Declan of Ardmore, who is considered one of Ireland's patron saints along with Patrick and Bridget. According to legend, he was born in County Limerick and later founded the monastery at Ardmore in County Waterford. His feast day is celebrated on July 24th.
In more recent times, Declan has been used as a given name for boys not only in Ireland but also in other parts of the world where Irish culture has had an influence. Today, it continues to be a popular choice among parents who wish to honor their Irish heritage or simply appreciate its unique sound and meaning. Overall, Declan is a strong and distinctive name that carries with it a rich history and cultural significance.
The name Declan has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. According to the data provided, there were only 5 births with the name Declan in 1951, and this number remained relatively low until the late 1980s.
However, starting from the 1990s, there was a noticeable rise in the number of babies named Declan. In 1992, there were 66 births with this name, more than doubling to 154 births by 1997. This trend continued into the new millennium, with over 300 babies being named Declan each year from 2000 onwards.
The peak in popularity for the name Declan was reached in 2016 and 2017, with a total of 3621 births each year. Since then, the number of babies named Declan has remained consistently high, with over 3000 births each year up until 2022.
Overall, according to the statistics provided, there have been a total of 53,177 births in the United States with the name Declan from 1951 to 2023. This represents a significant increase in popularity over time, indicating that Declan has become a popular choice for parents in recent years.