Name of the Day: Declan
He’s big in the UK and Australia, and is catching on in the US, too.
Thanks to Cat for suggesting Declan as Name of the Day.
About a year ago, I met a small boy called Declan. As it happened, his father is direct from Ireland and opted for the traditional Gaelic spelling Deaglán instead of the Anglicized version. I’ve not dared ask, but I suspect the parents have yet to realize just how very fashionable a choice they’ve made.
Declan has always been reasonably familiar in the UK. As recently as 2004, he still ranked in the British Top 100. In Australia, Declan remains a Top 100 pick today.
But in the US, he’s still rather novel. Up until 1998, Declan had never ranked in the Top 1000, though a handful appear in census records over the years.
With Brian, Ryan, Brendan and a host of other Irish appellations climbing the charts, little wonder some parents discovered Declan. In 1998, he debuted at #710. By 2007, he had climbed to #349. Besides his Gaelic flair, he shares the two-syllable, ends-in-n construction so popular for boys’ names. And the letter D is second only to J in terms of favorite letters for our sons.
A handful of famous Declans have raised his profile, including:
- Elvis Costello was born Declan Patrick Aloysius MacManus;
- BBC television presenter Declan Donnelly is best known as half of Ant and Dec. Along with Anthony McPartlin, Dec has emceed everything from children’s television to reality competitions like Britain’s Got Talent;
- Declan McDonough is a character on ABC Family’s Kyle XY, bringing him to the attention of the next generation of parents;
- Speaking of youth, there’s pop singer Declan Galbraith. He hails from Dublin, but he’s best known abroad;
- A handful of musicians, politicians and athletes, most either from Ireland or of Irish descent, also wear the name.
And then, of course, there’s Saint Declan. He was at work in Ireland a few years prior to Saint Patrick. He established a monastery in Ardmore and pilgrims still visit the ruins today.
Apparently, when they were casting the role of Patron Saint of Ireland, a sizable group campaigned for him. Unlike the Roman-born Patrick, Declan’s roots were impeccably kelly green. Some even insist that he was born a prince of the Déisi, an ancient Gaelic tribe settled in the area.
The exact origins of his name are uncertain. Some contend that dag means good and lan full, so Declan means “full of goodness.” Maybe so, but I can’t confirm it. Even more mysterious is the occasional reference to the meaning “man of prayer,” though that could link back to the saint.
Overall, Declan has much to recommend him. He’s an authentic Irish heritage choice that’s heard just often enough to be familiar, making him a great alternative to Aidan, Ryan or Sean.
But if you’re searching for something truly unusual, be aware that Declan could follow other Irish favorites up the charts and easily land in the Top 200 – or higher.
Filed under: Kiss Me I'm Irish, Names for Boys, Names of the Day, Saints | 11 Comments
Tags: Deaglan, Declan
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Recent Comments
I like Declan! He’s snazzy, handsome & warm. I hear him a fair bit when I hit Boston, but not as much as say, Finn or Owen and while Cillian, Lorcan & Malachy are three I like better, I have no complaints about Declan. He’s lovely and anything that reminds me of Elvis Costello is a grand thing!
Declan has a neat history, I never knew there was a St. Declan (so there! Pop) even with my Parents and their love of the Bible/Church and Saints he was overlooked back in the 70′s here, I would guess. I know how much Cat loved Declan and I hope she gets a chance to use it someday. I know I’ll forever associate Declan with her! He gets a solid and enthusiastic :thumbsup:! Declan’s aces!
I don’t think I’m a big fan of Declan, very roman catholic the name which isnt my thing. I don’t think you can do this name if you don’t have irish roots.
Yuck!
I can’t help feeling that Declan is trying too hard to be different. He feels so wife beater-ry to me. Far too gruffly masculine. I tend to prefer names with a bit more of a cutesy feel. Not too cutesy though like Junior for example. Just a bit more gentle than Declan.
I can understand if your using him for his Irish connections though. But wouldn’t you use the tradtional spelling then?
Beats me
I’m rather impartial to Declan, really. I can see his appeal, and he is almost comforting, but I’ve met a few Declans in my life, and I’ve not liked a single one!
He is rather common in Australia – not as much in my state, but overall, I do hear him a fair bit
Thanks Verity! I love Declan because of my Elvis. I don’t know if I’d use it, but it’s grand. It’s a green to me, and just lovely. I’m gun shy as it comes to popularity, though.
I like Declan. It’s a solid name. It has a history and a nice sound to it. We have friends whose son is called Declan; they are in the UK… no surprise there, I suppose. It’s a name I haven’t heard here in the states, but I’m in the South and not in, say, Boston or Chicago, so maybe that’s why. In any case, I like Declan as a choice for a baby boy.
Cat, I saw EC live with Emmylou Harris a few years back. I adore him! My husband isn’t into hero names, or I might’ve campaigned to use Costello as a middle name. (Because really, Romeo might make a comeback, but Elvis?! That just seems WAY too much name.)
Interesting that Declan generates such a wide range of reactions. I expected him to get more of an “eh” reaction.
Sarah, you raise an interesting question about the spelling. I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, especially as I ran across an Aleksandra because “we’re Russian.” (Which, okay, they were. But about two generations back. On one side.) It seems kind to give your child the more obvious English spelling for their name. Except in Declan’s case, could it be Decklin? I think not, but dozens of Kaitlyns, Katelyns and Catelyns probably have some thoughts on the topic.
I can see perhaps it would be easier for the child if he doesn’t have to tell every one how to spell and pronounce his name but by no means do I think it is cruel. Nor do I think it is an act of kindness to give them the english spelling.
Even being a Sarah people constantly ask me if its spelt with a ‘h’ or without. I even recall a friend with the surname ‘Smith’ being asked how to spell it?!?!
Its something you cant avoid – and who cares if Deaglán has to tell people how to spell/pronounce his name.
I guess Declan vs. Deaglán is more of an even match. D’lila vs. Delilah on the other hand…
So, I’m confused – how is this meant to be pronounced?
DEE-clan or DEK-lun or DEK-lan? I’ve always wondered.
Despite not knowing how to pronounce it, I’ve always liked this name. It sounds debonair yet sturdy and masculine. I also like Lachlan, which has a similar ring.
Sarah, you’re right! I have a friend Sara who says the same thing. Smith, though – really? There’s another way to spell Smith?!
The thing with Deaglan is that as soon as I met his dad, I thought, “Oh, I get it.” I don’t think he’ll have any trouble explaining why he has the authentic Gaelic spelling, even if Declan becomes very, very popular – and spawns Decklin, etc.
D’Lila, though – yeah, that’s just “to make it more unique.” Ahem.
Kat, I’d say DEK lan is the closest to the correct pronunciation. It’s how Deaglan’s parents say his name, too, though there’s a hint of something else in his Irish father’s (charming) accent.
This may sound weird, but my English teacher’s son is named Declan, and the his older son is named Liam. They are very Irish, clearly. But that was the first I heard the name, and now that I’ve had a school year to get used to it, it has definitely grown on me.