MCDONELL
Also recorded as Mc Donell, Mcdonell
McDonell
McDonell is a prominent Scottish surname with links to Irish origins. The name McDonell is derived from the Gaelic name 'Mac Dhomhnaill', which means 'son of Domhnall'. The name Domhnall comes from the Old Irish word 'dumno' which means 'world' and 'val' meaning 'rule', giving the name a significant meaning of 'ruler of the world'.
The McDonell family has a long and illustrious history, with roots in the Western Highlands of Scotland. The clan has been associated with various territories over the centuries, including Glengarry, Keppoch, and Lochaber. The McDonells were known for their fierce loyalty and played a significant role in Scottish history, especially during the turbulent times of the Jacobite uprisings.
The McDonell clan crest features a hand holding a cross, with the Latin motto "Per mare, per terras" which translates to "By sea, by land". This reflects the adventurous spirit and resilience of the McDonell family throughout history.
Today, the McDonell surname is found not only in Scotland but also in Ireland, Canada, and other countries with a strong Scottish diaspora. Many individuals bearing the McDonell name continue to uphold their proud heritage and traditions, keeping alive the legacy of their ancestors.
There are approximately 128 people named McDonell in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named McDonell.
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alexander
- Andrew
- Donald
- Duncan
- Finlay
- Iain
- Ian
- James
- John
- Kevin
- Stephen
- Steve
- William
Female
- Alice
- Anne
- Claire
- Corinne
- Frances
- Hazel
- Jacqueline
- Judith
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Nicola
- Sarah
- Susan
- Vivienne
Similar and related surnames
- MacDonald
- McDonald
- Macdonall
- Macdonal
- Mcdonel
- Macdonell
- Macdonnall
- Macdonnel
- Macdonneld
- Macdonnell
- Mackdonal
- Mackdonell
- Mcdanel
- Mcdanell
- Mcdaniell
- Mcdannell
- Mcdonal
- Mcdonalds
- Mcdonall
- Mcdongall
- Mcdonie
- Mcdonna
- Mcdonnald
- Mcdonnall
- Mcdonnel
- Mcdonnell
- Macdona
- Macdonalds
- Macdonnald
- Mcdomiell
- Mcdonagh
- Mcdonlad
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.