Dunavan Family Crest & Name History

The spelling Dunavan grew out of Donovan, an Irish surname with a long paper trail. The name is generally explained as “Descendant of Donnabhán”.

• Spellings drifted because names were written down by ear in parish books, tax rolls and passenger lists.
• Before spelling was fixed, Donovan was also written Dunavan.
• You may also find the name written O'Donovan and Donavan.

Dunavan coat of arms

Heraldry is personal: arms associated with the Donovan surname were borne by specific families, and sharing the name does not mean sharing the blazon. Research your Dunavan family history with a full surname report and painted coat of arms.