Summary

Irish surname of Gaelic origin. Connolly is derived from the old Gaelic name O Conghaile meaning 'descendant of Conghal', which itself is derived from the word 'congal' meaning 'valour'. The surname is primarily associated with County Donegal and County Monaghan in Ireland.
There are
29710
Connollys in the USA
Connolly is the
1190th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Connolly

BillyConnolly

Billy Connolly is a Scottish comedian, musician, and actor known for his observational humor and unique style of storytelling.

JamesJ.

James J. Connolly was an American labor leader and president of the United Mine Workers of America from 1920 to 1928.

KevinConnolly

Kevin Connolly is an American actor and director best known for his role as Eric Murphy in the television series 'Entourage.'

MaureenConnolly

Maureen Connolly was an American tennis player who became the first woman to win all four Grand Slam tournaments in a single year.

JosephConnolly

Joseph Connolly is an English writer known for his novels and works on literature, including 'Stuff' and 'England's Lane'.

CyrilConnolly

Cyril Connolly was an English writer and literary critic known for his influential work 'The Unquiet Grave' and his editorship of 'Horizon' magazine.

CarolineConnolly

Caroline Connolly is an Australian actress known for her roles in television series such as 'Neighbours' and 'Wentworth.'

ThomasConnolly

Thomas Connolly was an Irish revolutionary and politician who was a prominent figure during the Irish War of Independence.

CarolConnolly

Carol Connolly is an American poet, essayist, and playwright who served as the poet laureate of Saint Paul, Minnesota.

SeanConnolly

Sean Connolly is a New Zealand chef and television personality known for his culinary shows and restaurants, including ‘The Grill’ in Auckland.

Connolly Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Connolly' is of Irish origin and derived from the Gaelic name 'Ó Conghaile,' meaning descendant of Conghal. It is a relatively common surname in Ireland, particularly in County Donegal and County Galway.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Connolly' is predominantly found in Ireland, with significant populations in other English-speaking countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia due to Irish immigration.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Connolly' include 'O'Connell,' 'Connelly,' 'O'Connelly,' 'Conolly,' 'Connoly,' 'Conley,' 'Connelly-Healy,' 'Connelley,' and 'Counihan'.
Migration and ImmigrationThe name 'Connolly' has been carried by Irish immigrants to various countries throughout history, particularly during periods of Irish migration such as the Great Famine and the Irish diaspora following it.