Summary

The surname DONNELLY is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Donnghaile", meaning "son of Donnghal". Donnghal was a personal name derived from the elements "donn" meaning "brown" and "gal" meaning "valour". The Donnelly family has a rich history in Ireland, and the surname is often associated with acts of bravery and heroism.
There are
31505
Donnellys in the USA
Donnelly is the
1114th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Donnelly

PatrickDonnelly

Patrick Donnelly was an Irish poet known for his works that explore themes of identity, nature, and spirituality.

ThomasDonnelly

Thomas Donnelly was an American politician who served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1965 to 1993.

MaureenO'Donnell

Maureen O'Donnell is an Australian actress known for her roles in films such as 'Moulin Rouge!' and 'Mad Max: Fury Road.'

MartinMcDonagh

Martin McDonagh is a British-Irish playwright and filmmaker known for his darkly comedic works such as 'The Pillowman' and 'In Bruges.'

ShaunMacDonald

Shaun MacDonald is a Welsh footballer who has played for clubs such as Bournemouth, Wigan Athletic, and Aberdeen.

RoisinMcDonnell

Roisin McDonnell is an Irish musician and songwriter known for her hauntingly beautiful folk music.

LiamO'Donnelly

Liam O'Donnelly is a Scottish professional footballer who currently plays as a defender for Motherwell.

EileenMcDonagh

Eileen McDonagh is an American political scientist and author known for her work on gender and politics, particularly reproductive rights.

JohnO'Donnell

John O'Donnell was an American boxer who held the world bantamweight title from 1941 to 1942.

PeterMcDonnell

Peter McDonnell is a British artist known for his abstract paintings that explore color, form, and texture.

Donnelly Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Donnelly' is of Irish origin and is derived from the Irish Gaelic name 'Ó Domhnaill,' meaning 'descendant of Domhnall,' which was a given name meaning 'world ruler.' It is a patronymic surname, indicating descent from a male ancestor.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Donnelly' is most commonly found in Ireland and among Irish diaspora communities in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Donnelly' include 'O'Donnelly,' 'MacDonnelly,' 'MacDonald,' 'McDonnell,' and 'O'Donell.'
Migration and ImmigrationThe name 'Donnelly' has been carried by Irish immigrants who settled in various countries during periods of Irish emigration, particularly during the Great Famine in the mid-19th century.