Surname Donnell - Meaning and Origin
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Diving Into DNA: Redefining Identity and Ancestry with the Donnell Surname Through an iGENEA Test
Braving the vast realm of genealogy via my recent iGENEA DNA test offered insightful revelations about my surname, Donnell, and our family identity. The test served as a time machine, transporting me to our roots laid deep within the Celtic culture. It’s been much more than revealing a genetic code; it’s an understanding of who we are, where we come from, and why we are as we are.
I. Donnell
read moreDonnell: What does the surname Donnell mean?
The surname Donnell is of Irish origin, deriving from the Gaelic name Domhnall, which means "world ruler" or "world mighty." This name consists of two elements: 'domno', meaning world, and 'val', meaning rule or might. The name became popular due to two early saints named Domhnall and was very common among Highland and Island clans in Scotland. Variations of the name include MacDonald and Donnelly. Therefore, individuals carrying the Donnell surname potentially trace their ancestry back to Irish or Scottish lineage and share a historical connection to this symbolism of power and authority. It's essential to note that surnames can have varied origins and meanings as families migrated or translated their names, so their meanings might alter in different contexts.
Order DNA origin analysisDonnell: Where does the name Donnell come from?
The surname Donnell is of Irish origin and it is derived from the Gaelic name "Domhnall," which means "world ruler." It has roots in the names of ancient Celtic and Norse-Viking kings. This name became notable due to several Irish kings and nobles bearing it, including Domnall, King of Ailech and High King of Ireland in the 7th century, and Domhnall, King of Scotland in the 9th century.
Today, the Donnell surname is common in regions with a high concentration of people of Irish descent. These areas include, but are not limited to, Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia. As with many Irish surnames, the greatest concentrations are typically found in the original country, Ireland. However, due to historical emigration patterns known as the Irish diaspora, this surname is also comparatively common in the other aforementioned countries.
Variations of the surname Donnell
The surname Donnell has origins in Scotland and Ireland with various spelling variations influenced by different languages and regional dialects.
In its Gaelic form, it is usually spelled as "Domhnall" or "Domhnull". In Irish families, it may take the form of "O'Donnell". Other Irish variations include "Donell", "Donnell", "Donall", "Donnall", "Donnelly", "Donelan", "Donilion", and "Donohill". Spelling variations from English influence include "Donald", "Donell", and "Donnald".
In the case of Scottish clans, the name is spelled as "MacDonald" or "MacDonnell". Other less common variants in English-speaking countries include "Donnel", "Donnil", and "Donnelson".
Surnames with the same root often take different forms, depending on their regional origins and historical evolution, local phonetic and pronunciation patterns, and influence from different languages and cultures. For instance, the prefix "O'" which means "descendant of" in Irish could result in "O'Donnell". The prefix "Mac", which means "son of" in Scottish and Irish Gaelic, could result in "MacDonnell" or "MacDonald".
Please note that this list may not be exhaustive and there may be other less common variants and spellings.
Famous people with the name Donnell
- Rosie O'Donnell: She is an American comedian, actress, author, and television personality known for her talk show "The Rosie O'Donnell Show".
- Chris O'Donnell: He is an American actor famous for his role as Robin in "Batman Forever" and "Batman & Robin". He also stars in the TV series "NCIS: Los Angeles".
- Griffin O'Donnell: Though not as famous as his father Chris, he has made a few appearances in movies.
- Daniel O'Donnell: He is an Irish singer, television presenter, and philanthropist.
- Keir O'Donnell: He is an Australian actor best known for his roles in "Wedding Crashers", "Paul Blart: Mall Cop", and "American Sniper".
- Heather O'Donnell: She is a notable pianist and has performed internationally.
- Martin O'Donnell: He is a well-recognized composer known for his work on the video game series "Halo".
- Lawrence O'Donnell: He is the host of "The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell", a weeknight news and political commentary program on MSNBC.
- Norah O’Donnell: She is the anchor of the CBS Evening News.
- Miles O’Donnell: Noted jazz musician specializing in drums.