Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2025 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company

      Meaning of the first name
      Donnelly

      Origin 
      Irish

      Meaning 
      Brown-haired chieftain

      Variations 
      Connelly, Donyelle, Connell

      *Some content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, in combination with data sourced from Ancestry records and provided by BabyNames.com.
      The origins of the name Donnelly can be traced back to ancient Ireland. Derived from the Irish Gaelic name Donnghaile, it carries the meaning of a brown-haired chieftain. This name is deeply rooted in the historical context of the island and holds significance within the Irish culture.

      Historically, the Donnelly name is associated with a prominent clan that inhabited County Tyrone in Northern Ireland. The Donnellys were known for their leadership qualities, specifically in terms of military tactics and governance. They played a substantial role in the region's political affairs during the medieval period, commanding respect and authority.

      In modern times, the name Donnelly continues to be prevalent. It has spread beyond the boundaries of Ireland and can now be found among Irish diasporas worldwide. Many individuals proudly bear this name as a testimony to their Irish ancestry. The significance of the name remains intact, acting as a reminder of the valorous chieftains of the past and symbolizing a connection to Irish heritage.

      The name Donnelly, with its Irish origin and meaning of brown-haired chieftain, holds a proud history entrenched in Ireland's cultural tapestry.
      Based on our records...
      This is the most common surname, spouse name and child name associated with Donnelly.
      Cameron

      is the most common surname for Donnelly.

      Irene

      is the most common spouse name for Donnelly.

      Mary

      is the most common child name for Donnelly.

      Start your curiosity engines.

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Free Trial
      Order Ancestry
      did_you_know_bar
      Based on our records...
      Did you know?
      1915 is when there were the most people born with the first name Donnelly.

      We'll guide you through the process of building and growing your tree

      Explore the origins of another name.