Donny

Scottish

"proud chief"

Donny Origin and Meaning

The name Donny is a boy's name.

Donny is a masculine name most commonly used as a diminutive of Donald, which derives from the Scottish Gaelic name Dòmhnall, meaning "world ruler" or "world mighty." The name gained significant popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States, partly due to the fame of performers like Donny Osmond. Donny has a friendly, approachable quality that maintains the strength of Donald while adding a more casual, boyish charm. Though its usage as a formal given name has declined since its peak, it remains recognized as both a nickname and standalone name. Donny carries a nostalgic appeal for many, evoking the easy-going American culture of the 1960s and 1970s, while still functioning as a personable, unpretentious option for boys today.

Donny Rank in US Top 1000

# 980 in the US

Famous People Named Donny

• Donald Clark "Donny" Osmond American singer and TV personality
• Donny Edward Hathaway American R&B singer
• Garry Don "Donny" Anderson American football player
• Donny Brady American football player
• Donny E. Marshall American basketball player
• Donald Austin "Donny" Toia American soccer player
• Donny Montell (born Donatas Montvydas) Lithuanian singer,songwriter

The name Donny in Pop Culture

• Donny Crane character on TV's "Boston Legal"