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
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • 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
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Donnelly

      Origin

      Irish

      Meaning

      Brown-haired chieftain

      Variations

      Connelly, Donyelle, Connell
      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...

      Cameron

      Cameron

      This is the most common surname associated with Donnelly.
      Irene

      Irene

      This is the most common name of those married to a Donnelly.
      Mary

      Mary

      This is the most common name for a child of a Donnelly.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1915 is when there were the most people born with the first name Donnelly.

      Explore the origins of another name.