O'Donnell - Irish Surname Origin & Meaning
Irish form: Ó Dónaill
Meaning: “world-mighty”
Traditional stronghold: Donegal
The great ruling family of Tír Chonaill.
Pronunciation: oh-DON-uhl; Irish O Domhnaill: oh DOH-nil
History of the O'Donnell name
The O'Donnells were, alongside the O'Neills, the most powerful ruling dynasty of Gaelic Ulster, holding the lordship of Tir Chonaill (Donegal) from the medieval period until the Flight of the Earls in 1607. Hugh Roe O'Donnell led the confederate Irish forces alongside Hugh O'Neill in the Nine Years' War against English rule, culminating in the defeat at Kinsale in 1601. Following the flight of the Ulster earls to the continent, the O'Donnells scattered into exile across Spain, France and Austria, where descendants achieved high military and political rank; Leopoldo O'Donnell became a Spanish prime minister in the 19th century. The name remains strongly rooted in Donegal and is among the most numerous in Ireland.
Variants: Donnell · O'Donel · Donnelly (distinct but related root)
Famous bearers of the name
- Daniel O'Connell - not to be confused; genuine bearer: Hugh Roe O'Donnell, Ulster chieftain of the Nine Years' War
- Leopoldo O'Donnell - Spanish general and prime minister of Irish descent
- Rosie O'Donnell - American comedian and television host
- Daisy O'Donnell - modern Irish broadcaster
Related names from the same part of Ireland: Gallagher · Boyle · Doherty · Sweeney · Duffy · McLoughlin · Mooney · Ward