Contribute your knowledge to the name Declan

Comments and insights on the name Declan: | Edit

My son's name is Declan (born 2000) and many people like it. The biggest problem with his name is they always think it's De Clan. They always separate the name and pronounce it like that, as well. Or they think we say Jaclyn, as if we would name a boy that..lol

Personal experiences with the name Declan: | Edit

I named my son Declan in 2010. The idea came to us because I'm a fan of Elvis Costello, though my husband keeps insisting that he is not named AFTER Declan McManus. We also liked the history of the name.

We've gotten a wide range of reactions. The baby name wizard book is completely correct when it says age is the biggest influence on whether people will like a name or not. Friends closer to our age love the name. At least one of the grandparents thought the name was crazy. The other grandparents liked the name once they were assured that there's a Saint Declan. When strangers ask what my baby's name is, I always have to repeat the name at least twice. But I don't really mind.

Our plan was to call our son "Dex" for short. So far, I can't bring myself to use such a grown-up nickname to address my tiny baby boy. But I'll probably still feel that way when he's 20, won't I?

Nicknames for Declan: | Edit

Dec, Dex, Deco, Deke

Meanings and history of the name Declan: | Edit

Declan is the English version of the Irish name Deaglan. Deaglan originates from the Irish words dag "good" and lan "full" suggesting "full of goodness."
"man of prayer"

Famous real-life people named Declan: | Edit

Declan MacManus, aka Elvis Costello, singer-songwriter
Actor Aiden Quinn's brother is named Declan

Declan in song, story & screen: | Edit

Declan Coyne, a character on the TV series, Degrassi.
Declan Porter, a character on the TV series, Revenge.
Declan Dunn (Adrian Pasdar), main character on the PAX TV series "Mysterious Ways" 2000-2002.
Richard Gere's character was Declan Mulqueen in the 1997 movie "The Jackal"
Declan McDonough, a main character in the tv series Kyle XY.
Deklan Comstock, hereditary president and antagonist in "Julian Comstock: A Novel of 22nd Century America" by Robert Charles Wilson
Declan Kennedy, brother of protagonist Holly Kennedy in Cecilia Ahern's novel "P.S. I Love You"
Declan, main character in "Leap Year"
Declan Hawkes from Jennifer Fallon's Tide Lords