Declan Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated June 7, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Declan Name Meaning

Fact: The name Declan is derived from Saint Declan of Ardmore, a 5th-century Irish saint.

Continue Reading…
A Deep Dive

Declan Overview

Meaning

Man of prayer, full of goodness

Gender

Boy

Origin

Irish

Etymology

Derived from the Irish name “Deaglán,” meaning “full of goodness” or “man of prayer.”

Religion

Christianity

Pronunciation

/ˈdeklən/

Popularity

Declan is a popular name in Ireland and has gained recognition in other English-speaking countries. Recently, Declan has steadily risen in popularity in the USA, ranking within the top 100 names for boys.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

6 letters

Numerology

3 (Expressive, Social, Artistic)

Name Styles

Exotic, Unique, Religious and Spiritual

Associated Traits

Strong, kind, intelligent, charismatic

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

Saint Declan of Ardmore is an early Irish saint known for his missionary work and is venerated in the Catholic Church.

Name Day

July 24th
A Deep Dive

Declan Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Decla, Declen, Deklan, Declann, Dechlan, Deccan, Decklan

Common Nicknames

Deci, Decky, Deke, Decky, Declie

Diminutives

Dec, Deke, Deck, Dee, Lan

Famous People

  • Declan Flynn
    (Irish Murder Victim)
  • Declan McKenna
    (British Singer)
  • Declan Donnelly
    (English Television Presenter)
  • Declan Rice
    (English Footballer)
  • Declan Galbraith
    (British Singer)
  • Declan Bennett
    (British Actor)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Declan Harp
    ("Frontier," TV Series)
  • Declan Porter
    ("Revenge," TV Series)
  • Declan Gormley
    ("Blue Bloods," TV Series)
  • Declan MacManus
    ("King of America," Album by Elvis Costello)
  • Declan Fitzpatrick
    ("Spellbound," Novel by Nora Roberts)

What Is the Meaning of Declan?

Declan means “full of goodness” or “man of prayer.” Individuals with this name are often perceived as kind-hearted and spiritual, embodying a sense of integrity and devotion.

What Is the Origin of The Name Declan?

Declan has Irish origins. It is derived from the Gaelic name “Deaglán,” associated with Saint Declan, a 5th-century missionary who is one of the patron saints of Ireland. The name has been popular in Ireland for centuries and has gained recognition in other English-speaking countries in recent times.

Declan Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Declan in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#1052021#1142022#1322023
Top 3 Rankings#952019#1012018#1022020

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Declan

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023132
(-18 from 2022)
2799
(-541 from 2022)
0.15285
2022114
(-9 from 2021)
3340
(-302 from 2021)
0.17833
2021105
(-3 from 2020)
3642
(+43 from 2020)
0.19438
2020102
(-7 from 2019)
3599
(-372 from 2019)
0.19458
201995
(+6 from 2018)
3971
(+159 from 2018)
0.20663
2018101
(+14 from 2017)
3812
(+343 from 2017)
0.19612
2017115
(-6 from 2016)
3469
(-152 from 2016)
0.17528
2016109
(+3 from 2015)
3621
(+34 from 2015)
0.17876
2015112
(+11 from 2014)
3587
(+268 from 2014)
0.17545
2014123
(-2 from 2013)
3319
(+204 from 2013)
0.16196
2013121
(+22 from 2012)
3115
(+335 from 2012)
0.15415
2012143
(+33 from 2011)
2780
(+612 from 2011)
0.13700
2011176
(+98 from 2010)
2168
(+911 from 2010)
0.10672
2010274
(+35 from 2009)
1257
(+211 from 2009)
0.06119
2009309
(+38 from 2008)
1046
(+104 from 2008)
0.04932
2008347
(+1 from 2007)
942
(+19 from 2007)
0.04320
2007348
(+18 from 2006)
923
(+106 from 2006)
0.04167
2006366
(-13 from 2005)
817
(-25 from 2005)
0.03727
2005353
(+78 from 2004)
842
(+236 from 2004)
0.03958
2004431
(-8 from 2003)
606
(-5 from 2003)
0.02867
2003423
(+18 from 2002)
611
(+49 from 2002)
0.02908
2002441
(+13 from 2001)
562
(+31 from 2001)
0.02719
2001454
(+90 from 2000)
531
(+143 from 2000)
0.02567
2000544
(+25 from 1999)
388
(+37 from 1999)
0.01858
1999569
(+141 from 1998)
351
(+117 from 1998)
0.01721
1998710
(+317 from 1997)
234
(+110 from 1997)
0.01154
19971027
(+100 from 1996)
124
(+19 from 1996)
0.00621
19961127
(+79 from 1995)
105
(+13 from 1995)
0.00524
19951206
(+247 from 1994)
92
(+26 from 1994)
0.00457
19941453
(+288 from 1993)
66
(+17 from 1993)
0.00324
19931741
(+101 from 1992)
49
(+5 from 1992)
0.00237
19921842
(+348 from 1991)
44
(+11 from 1991)
0.00210
19912190
(-179 from 1990)
33
(-4 from 1990)
0.00156
19902011
(+55 from 1989)
37
(+3 from 1989)
0.00172
19892066
(+532 from 1988)
34
(+12 from 1988)
0.00162
19882598
(+740 from 1987)
22
(+8 from 1987)
0.00110
19873338
(+314 from 1986)
14
(+2 from 1986)
0.00072
19863652
(-583 from 1985)
12
(-3 from 1985)
0.00062
19853069
(+1485 from 1984)
15
(+7 from 1984)
0.00078
19844554
(-671 from 1983)
8
(-2 from 1983)
0.00043
19833883
(-601 from 1982)
10
(-3 from 1982)
0.00054
19823282
(+575 from 1981)
13
(+3 from 1981)
0.00069
19813857
(+1667 from 1980)
10
(+4 from 1980)
0.00054
19805524
(-465 from 1978)
6
No change from 1978
0.00032
19790
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19785059
(+64 from 1977)
6
No change from 1977
0.00035
19775123
(-704 from 1976)
6
(-1 from 1976)
0.00035
19764419
(-760 from 1975)
7
(-2 from 1975)
0.00043
19753659
(-101 from 1974)
9
No change from 1974
0.00055
19743558
(+815 from 1971)
9
(+3 from 1971)
0.00055
19730
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19720
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19714373
(-1483 from 1970)
6
(-5 from 1970)
0.00033
19702890
(+172 from 1969)
11
(+2 from 1969)
0.00058
19693062
(+44 from 1968)
9
(+1 from 1968)
0.00049
19683106
(+123 from 1967)
8
(+1 from 1967)
0.00045
19673229
(+716 from 1966)
7
(+2 from 1966)
0.00039
19663945
(-702 from 1965)
5
(-2 from 1965)
0.00028
19653243
(+39 from 1964)
7
No change from 1964
0.00037
19643282
(-609 from 1963)
7
(-3 from 1963)
0.00035
19632673
(+1363 from 1962)
10
(+5 from 1962)
0.00048
19624036
(+30 from 1961)
5
No change from 1961
0.00024
19614066
(-729 from 1960)
5
(-2 from 1960)
0.00023
19603337
(+650 from 1959)
7
(+2 from 1959)
0.00032
19593987
(-434 from 1957)
5
(-1 from 1957)
0.00023
19580
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19573553
(+387 from 1956)
6
(+1 from 1956)
0.00027
19563940
(-434 from 1955)
5
(-1 from 1955)
0.00023
19553506
(+208 from 1951)
6
(+1 from 1951)
0.00029
19540
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19530
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19520
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19513714
First SSA data recorded
5
First SSA data recorded
0.00026
19500
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19490
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19480
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19470
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19460
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19450
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19440
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19430
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19420
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19410
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19400
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19390
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19380
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19370
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19360
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19350
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19340
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19330
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19320
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19310
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19300
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19290
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19280
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19270
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19260
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19250
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19240
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19230
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19220
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19210
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19200
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19190
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19180
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19170
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19160
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19150
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19140
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19130
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19120
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19110
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19100
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19090
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19080
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19070
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19060
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19040
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19030
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19000
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18990
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18980
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18970
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18960
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18930
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18890
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Declan

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#1722021#1862022#2192023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#982021#1072022#1242023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#552021#562022#842023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#812021#982022#1072023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#1832021#1892022#2292023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#632021#622022#502023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#1232021#1562022#1722023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#662021#832022#1152023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#982021#902022#1172023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#712021#832022#932023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#1022021#1012022#1072023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#912021#1202022#1232023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#842021#872022#1322023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#732021#822022#832023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#552021#902022#822023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#1082021#752022#1082023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#1442021#1812022#1892023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#752021#812022#1162023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#982021#992022#1142023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#782021#1012022#1042023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#1362021#1342022#1722023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#972021#1012022#1212023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#742021#732022#762023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#832021#752022#1202023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#782021#702022#1072023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#352021#802022#1202023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#892021#772022#742023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#1092021#1062022#1142023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#1362021#1092022#1512023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#982021#1462022#992023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#322021#662022#472023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#462021#412022#602023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#912021#472022#1652023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#1762021#1812022#1792023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#1362021#1382022#2972023

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#532021#382022#532023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#1122021#1602022#2372023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#1752021#1462022#1392023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#1102021#652022#1172023

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#452021#592022#762023

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#962021#732022#872023

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#702021#952022#402023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#1432021#1902022#2842023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#852021#1512022#1612023

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#822021#1322022#1702023

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#602021#712022#792023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#632021#1312022#892023

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#692021#442022#772023

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#952021#492022#1062023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#3012020#2702021#1902022

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#1102020#992021#2502022

Popularity Rankings for Declan in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Australia (NSW)

Australia (NSW) flagAustralia (NSW)#752005#832009#812010

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#902021#892022#832023

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#2352021#2712022#2282023

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#3262021#2342022#2722023

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#2862021#2712022#2672023

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#3122021#3292022#4362023

Popularity in Iceland

Iceland flagIceland#3292021

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#4952020#3572021#6712022

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#3882019#3682020#3902021

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Declan a Name for Boys or Girls?

Declan is typically a boy’s name due to its historical and cultural significance, particularly in Ireland, where it has long been associated with male figures.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Declan

Declan in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Declan Flynn (Murder Victim, 1951–1982): An Irish man whose murder in Dublin sparked significant LGBTQ+ rights movements in Ireland.
  • Declan McKenna (Singer, born 1998): A British singer and songwriter known for his socially conscious lyrics and hit single "Brazil."
  • Declan Donnelly (Television Presenter, born 1975): An English television presenter, producer, and actor, best known as one half of the presenting duo Ant & Dec.
  • Declan Rice (Footballer, born 1999): An English professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for West Ham United and the England national team.
  • Declan Galbraith (Singer, born 1991): A British singer who gained fame as a child star with his rendition of "Tell Me Why."
  • Declan Bennett (Actor, born 1981): A British actor, singer, and songwriter known for his roles in musical theatre and the TV series "EastEnders."
  • Declan Harp ("Frontier," 2016 TV Series): A ruthless and cunning fur trader in 18th century North America seeking revenge against the Hudson's Bay Company.
  • Declan Porter ("Revenge," 2011 TV Series): A young man who becomes embroiled in the wealthy and deceptive world of the Hamptons.
  • Declan Gormley ("Blue Bloods," 2010 TV Series): A former member of the NYPD who becomes involved in various police investigations.
  • Declan MacManus ("King of America," 1986 Album by Elvis Costello): The real name of musician Elvis Costello, used as a pseudonym on the album.
  • Declan Fitzpatrick ("Spellbound," 2011 Novel by Nora Roberts): A character who moves to a haunted house in Ireland and discovers long-hidden secrets.
  • Declan Desmond ("The Simpsons," 1989 TV Series): A documentary filmmaker who periodically appears to critique and satirize Springfield's residents.
  • Declan Dunn ("Mysterious Ways," 2000 TV Series): A professor who investigates miracles and other unexplained phenomena.
  • Declan Keogh ("The Fall," 2013 TV Series): A detective sergeant working on a high-profile murder case.
  • Declan ("Once Upon a Time in Wonderland," 2013 TV Series): A character who is part of the fantastical world based on Lewis Carroll's works.
  • Declan Lynch ("The Raven Cycle," 2012 Novel Series by Maggie Stiefvater): The older brother of one of the main characters, known for his protective and secretive nature.
  • None

Similar Names to Declan

Sibling Names for Declan

Parents Who Like the Name Declan Also Like

Thanks for exploring the name Declan with me! I hope you found all the details and fun facts interesting. If you’re considering Declan for your little one, it’s a name full of history and charm. Don’t forget to share this with friends!
Helen Doanna

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

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Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

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1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Literature and Journalism
  • Focus: In-depth knowledge of Literature, knowledge and skills to perceive, create literature or work in related fields; Basic knowledge of communications.

2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
  • Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Human Development and Family Sciences – Child Development
  • Focus: Different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood; Develop a strong foundation for a career in early childhood programs or classrooms; Learn strategies for supporting young children’s development in early childhood settings.
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Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

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