Declan: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Declan mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Irish: Full of goodness
Irish: Man of prayer
Greek: Messenger

Gender: Male

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Declan is pronounced dek-lan

The name Declan has been derived from the Irish saint by the same name, Saint Declan of Ardmore, who is believed to have predated Saint Patrick in bringing Christianity to Ireland. The name traditionally means "full of goodness" or "man of prayer" in Irish. It is the Anglicized form of the Irish name Deaglán.

Boy name variations

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio

Declan in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Declan Harp from Frontier - A fierce and rugged fur trader seeking revenge against the Hudson's Bay Company.
Declan Porter from Revenge - A kind-hearted, yet hapless young man caught in the web of the wealthy and powerful Hamptons elite.
Declan O'Callaghan from Leap Year - A charming and somewhat cynical innkeeper who inadvertently becomes part of a romantic adventure.
Declan MacRae from The Following - An ex-FBI agent turned mercenary with a complex moral compass.
Declan Murphy from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - An undercover detective who often assists in sensitive investigations.

Popularity of the Name Declan

According to Social Security Administration data, Declan has seen a rise in popularity over recent years. In 2023, it ranked within the top 100 baby names in the United States. Historically, Declan is of Irish origin and is derived from the name of Saint Declan of Ardmore, who was an early Irish saint.

The name has been popular among various notable individuals, including the musician Declan McKenna, and actor Declan Donnelly from the British TV duo Ant & Dec. Fictional characters named Declan appear in popular media such as the TV series Reign and the movie Mission: Impossible III. The name's timeless appeal and cultural significance continue to make it a favored choice for new parents.