DONNELY
Donnely
Donnely is a surname of Irish origins, with various spelling variations such as Donnelly and O'Donnell. The name is derived from the Irish Ó Donnaile, meaning "descendant of Donall," which itself is a combination of "donn," meaning brown, and "all," meaning mighty.
Origins
The Donnely surname is predominantly found in Ireland and Scotland, particularly in County Tyrone and County Fermanagh. The Donnely family history is deeply rooted in Celtic traditions and has connections to ancient Irish clans.
Notable Individuals
- Michael Donnely: A renowned Irish poet known for his works celebrating Irish heritage and culture.
- Eileen O'Donnell: A prominent Scottish politician who championed women's rights in the early 20th century.
- Patrick Donnelly: An influential British archaeologist who excavated several important Celtic sites in Ireland.
Legacy
The Donnely surname carries a sense of pride and heritage among those who bear it. It symbolises a connection to the rich history of the British Isles and the struggles and triumphs of the past.
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, 1991.
There are approximately 62 people named Donnely in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Donnely.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Martin
- Paul
Female
Similar and related surnames
- Donnley
- Donnel
- Dennely
- Donal
- Donaley
- Donali
- Donally
- Donaly
- Donel
- Donela
- Doneley
- Donell
- Donelley
- Donelli
- Donelly
- Donely
- Donley
- Donly
- Donnal
- Donnaley
- Donnall
- Donnalley
- Donnally
- Donnaly
- Donnelay
- Donneley
- Donnell
- Donnelley
- Donnells
- Donnelly
- Donnerly
- Donnlley
- Donnlly
- Donnly
- Donnoly
- Downely
- Dineley
- Dohnal
- Donlan
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.