Declan

boyIrishChristian

Declan is a Christian boy name of Irish origin, meaning “Uncertain; often 'full of goodness'”.

MeaningUncertain; often 'full of goodness'
GenderBoy
OriginIrish
PronunciationDEK-lun
TraditionChristian
Used inIreland, United States, United Kingdom, Australia

Meaning and origin of Declan

Declan is the English form of the Irish Deaglán. Its meaning is unclear; the popular gloss 'full of goodness' is a guess, and scholars do not agree on its roots. The name honours Saint Declan, a fifth-century missionary who founded a monastery at Ardmore in County Waterford, where his feast is still marked each July. It has become popular well beyond Ireland since the 1990s.

Is Declan a Christian name?

Declan is an Irish Catholic saint's name; Saint Declan of Ardmore is regarded as one of the early evangelisers of Ireland.

How popular is Declan?

Popular in Ireland and across the English-speaking world.

Gifts with the name Declan

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Spellings and variants of Declan

DeaglánDeklan

Names similar to Declan

More Christian boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Declan mean?

Declan means 'Uncertain; often 'full of goodness''. It is of Irish origin.

Is Declan a Christian name?

Declan is an Irish Catholic saint's name; Saint Declan of Ardmore is regarded as one of the early evangelisers of Ireland.

How do you pronounce Declan?

Declan is pronounced DEK-lun.

Is Declan a boy or girl name?

Declan is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.