CONNOLLY
Connolly
Connolly is a surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic Ó Conghalaigh, meaning "descendant of Conghalach." The name is commonly found in Ireland and is one of the most numerous surnames in the country. The Connolly surname has spread to other countries, especially the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Origin and Meaning
The name Connolly is of Gaelic origin, stemming from the personal name Conghalach, which means "valiant" or "strong-willed." The prefix "Ó" indicates "descendant of," hence Ó Conghalaigh refers to a member of the family descended from Conghalach.
History
The Connolly surname has a long history in Ireland, dating back to ancient times. The Connolly clan was prominent in the province of Ulster, particularly in counties Donegal and Monaghan. Over the centuries, the Connolly family spread to other parts of Ireland and eventually migrated to other countries due to various factors such as the Irish diaspora and economic opportunities.
In the UK, the surname Connolly is most commonly found in areas with a significant Irish population, such as London, Liverpool, and Glasgow. Many Connolly families have made notable contributions to various fields, including politics, literature, and sports.
Notable Individuals
- Billy Connolly: A Scottish comedian, actor, and musician known for his unique brand of humor and storytelling.
- Gerry Connolly: An Irish-American politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Virginia's 11th congressional district.
- Maureen Connolly: An American tennis player who was the first woman to win all four Grand Slam tournaments in a single year.
Variants
Variants of the Connolly surname include O'Connolly, O'Connelly, and Conley.
Legacy
The Connolly surname carries a sense of pride and heritage for many individuals of Irish descent. The name's rich history and widespread presence in various countries make it a symbol of the enduring connections between the Irish diaspora and their ancestral homeland. Today, the Connolly name continues to be passed down through generations, preserving its legacy for the future.
There are approximately 19,903 people named Connolly in the UK. That makes it the 431st most common surname in Britain. Around 306 in a million people in Britain are named Connolly.
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Ireland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Patrick
- Paul
- Peter
- Stephen
- Thomas
Female
- Anne
- Catherine
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Michelle
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Connley
- Connery
- Conley
- Connally
- Conelly
- Connelley
- Connely
- Connelly
- Conely
- Conly
- Conneally
- Connaly
- Conily
- Conneley
- Conlly
- Cannolly
- Connilly
- Connoll
- Connlley
- Connlly
- Connly
- Connoal
- Connola
- Connole
- Connoley
- Connolley
- Connolloy
- Connoly
- Conole
- Conoley
- Conoll
- Conolley
- Conolly
- Conoly
- Conolyn
- Canolly
- Conally
- Conlley
- Connalley
- Connily
- Connold
- Connonly
- Conway
- Kennelly
- Kenealy
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.