McDonnell surname: meaning and origin
McDonnell means son of Dónall, meaning world ruler. It is a native Gaelic Irish family from Antrim.
| Irish form | Mac Domhnaill |
|---|---|
| Meaning | son of Dónall, meaning world ruler |
| Home region | Antrim (Ulster) |
| Origin | Gaelic |
| Variants | MacDonnell, McDonald |
History of the McDonnell name
The MacDonnells of Antrim came from the Scottish MacDonalds, Lords of the Isles, and became powerful in the Glens of Antrim from the fifteenth century.
More surnames from Ulster
- BoyleÓ Baoighill · descendant of Baoighill
- BradyMac Brádaigh · son of Brádach
- McBrideMac Giolla Bhríde · son of the devotee of Saint Brigid
- ClarkeÓ Cléirigh · descendant of the cleric
- O'DohertyÓ Dochartaigh · descendant of Dochartach
- O'DonnellÓ Dónaill · descendant of Dónall
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname McDonnell mean?
McDonnell (Irish: Mac Domhnaill) means son of Dónall, meaning world ruler.
What is the Irish spelling of McDonnell?
The Irish-language form of McDonnell is Mac Domhnaill.
Where is the surname McDonnell from?
McDonnell is a native Gaelic Irish family, associated with Antrim in Ulster.
What are other spellings of McDonnell?
Related spellings and forms include MacDonnell, McDonald.