DONELLY
Also recorded as Don Elly
Donelly
Donelly is a surname of Irish origin that is believed to be derived from the Gaelic name O'Donnealy or O'Domhnaill, meaning "descendant of Domhnall," which translates to "world ruler." The surname is commonly found in Ireland and Scotland but has also spread to other parts of the world, including England.
History:
The Donelly surname has a rich history dating back centuries. It has been associated with noble families, landowners, and professionals. The Donelly family name is particularly prevalent in Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland, where many individuals with this surname can trace their roots to ancient Celtic tribes.
Notable Individuals:
- Sean Donelly (1913-1983): An Irish political figure who served as a Member of Parliament for several terms.
- Jennifer Donelly (b. 1963): An American author with Irish ancestry, known for her historical novels.
- Sarah Donelly (b. 1980): A British actress who appeared in various stage productions and television series.
Distribution:
The Donelly surname is less common in England compared to Ireland and Scotland but can still be found in certain regions. Today, individuals with the surname Donelly reside in various parts of the United Kingdom and have established diverse occupations and lifestyles.
Variants:
- O'Donnell
- Donnolly
- Donnally
References:
- Hanks, Patrick, et al. The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press, 2016.
- MacLysaght, Edward. Irish Families: Their Names, Arms, and Origins. Irish Academic Press, 1985.
There are approximately 100 people named Donelly in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Donelly.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Brian
- George
- James
- John
- Leighton
- Liam
- Michael
- Neil
- Peter
- Stephen
- Thomas
- Wayne
Female
- Annette
- Claire
- Janice
- Joanne
- Kathleen
- Laura
- Louise
- Lynn
- Margaret
- Mary
- Michelle
- Sara
- Sarah
Similar and related surnames
- Dannelly
- Dennelly
- Dineley
- Dohnal
- Domelly
- Donail
- Donal
- Donald
- Donalds
- Donaley
- Donali
- Donall
- Donally
- Donaly
- Donel
- Donela
- Doneley
- Donell
- Donella
- Donellaw
- Donelley
- Donelli
- Donello
- Donely
- Donery
- Donilly
- Donlan
- Donlay
- Donley
- Donlley
- Donlly
- Donly
- Donnal
- Donnaley
- Donnall
- Donnalley
- Donnally
- Donnaly
- Donnel
- Donnelay
- Donneley
- Donnell
- Donnelley
- Donnellly
- Donnells
- Donnelly
- Donnely
- Donnery
- Donnlley
- Donnlly
- Donnly
- Donnolly
- Donoley
- Donolly
- Dounelly
- Downely
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.