O'Donnell surname: meaning and origin
O'Donnell means descendant of Dónall, meaning world ruler. It is a native Gaelic Irish family from Donegal (Tír Chonaill).
| Irish form | Ó Dónaill |
|---|---|
| Meaning | descendant of Dónall, meaning world ruler |
| Home region | Donegal (Tír Chonaill) (Ulster) |
| Origin | Gaelic |
| Variants | Donnell, Donnelly |
History of the O'Donnell name
The O'Donnells were kings of Tír Chonaill (Donegal). Red Hugh O'Donnell led the Gaelic cause in the Nine Years' War alongside Hugh O'Neill.
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
- McDonnellMac Domhnaill · son of Dónall
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname O'Donnell mean?
O'Donnell (Irish: Ó Dónaill) means descendant of Dónall, meaning world ruler.
What is the Irish spelling of O'Donnell?
The Irish-language form of O'Donnell is Ó Dónaill.
Where is the surname O'Donnell from?
O'Donnell is a native Gaelic Irish family, associated with Donegal (Tír Chonaill) in Ulster.
What are other spellings of O'Donnell?
Related spellings and forms include Donnell, Donnelly.