O'CONNELL
Also recorded as O Connell, O' Connell, O'connell, O`connell, Oconnell
O'Connell
O'Connell is an Irish surname that originated from the Gaelic Ó Conaill, meaning "descendant of Conall". The name Conall is believed to come from the Celtic word "conn" which signifies wisdom and knowledge. The O'Connells were primarily associated with County Kerry and County Cork in Ireland.
One of the most famous bearers of the surname O'Connell was Daniel O'Connell (1775-1847), known as "The Liberator". Daniel O'Connell was a prominent Irish political leader and lawyer who campaigned for Catholic emancipation in Ireland and the repeal of the Act of Union between Great Britain and Ireland.
The O'Connell surname is commonly found in Ireland, the United Kingdom, and other countries with Irish diaspora communities. Variations of the name include McConnell and Connell.
Historically, the O'Connells were part of the Gaelic nobility in Ireland and were influential in both political and social spheres. Today, the surname O'Connell continues to be a common and respected name within Irish and British communities.
References:
- Irish Genealogy Toolkit: "O'Connell Surname Origin": http://www.irish-genealogy-toolkit.com/OConnell.html
- Encyclopedia Britannica: "Daniel O'Connell": https://www.britannica.com/biography/Daniel-OConnell
There are approximately 12,361 people named O'Connell in the UK. That makes it the 731st most common surname in Britain. Around 190 in a million people in Britain are named O'Connell.
Surname type: From name of parent
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
- Anthony
- Christopher
- Daniel
- David
- Gerry
- James
- John
- Michael
- Patrick
- Paul
- Stephen
- Thomas
Female
- Catherine
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Kathleen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan