O'Donnell
An Irish surname meaning “descendant of Domhnall,” a traditional Gaelic personal name usually understood as “world ruler.”
The #795 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 7,104 Americans shares it.
Etymology
O'Donnell is the anglicized form of Irish Ó Domhnaill, meaning “descendant of Domhnall.” The personal name Domhnall is made from Gaelic elements commonly explained as “world” and “rule” or “ruler,” giving the sense “world ruler.” The apostrophe and spelling vary in modern use, but the name remains one of the best-known Irish family surnames.
History
The O'Donnells were a major Gaelic ruling kindred in northwest Ireland, especially associated with Donegal. The surname spread widely through Irish migration, so it is now common in Ireland, Britain, North America, and other English-speaking countries. It is also one of the surnames strongly linked with Irish clan history and identity.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
The O'Donnell clan name is historically tied to the lordship of Tyrconnell, one of the great Gaelic territories of medieval Ireland.
From the historical record
“DOCKERAY. [ODonnell]. 112. 500 DOWDKAN.”
— Varieties and Synonymes of Surnames and Christian Names in Ireland