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Donnelly

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Donnelly

Donnelly is a Celtic boy name, which has 8 letters.

Donnelly is an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic name "O'Donnghaile". The name translates to "descendant of Donnghaile", with Donnghaile meaning "brown hero".

Detailed Information About The Name Donnelly

The name Donnelly is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name Ó Donnghaile, which means "descendant of Donnghal". Donnghal is composed of two elements: "donn", meaning "brown", and "gal", which translates to "valour" or "courage". Therefore, the name Donnelly can be interpreted as "descendant of the courageous one with brown hair" or "descendant of the brave one".

The Donnelly name has a rich history in Ireland and has been traced back to the 15th century. The Donnelly family was prominent in County Tyrone, located in Northern Ireland, and later spread to other parts of Ireland such as County Clare, County Mayo, and County Antrim. The Donnellys were known for their involvement in various trades, including farming, blacksmithing, and carpentry.

One of the most well-known events associated with the Donnelly name is the infamous Donnelly family massacre, which occurred in 1880 in Canada. This tragedy, also referred to as the Black Donnellys, involved the murder of several members of the Donnelly family by a mob. The massacre gained significant attention and has since become part of Canadian folklore, contributing to the notoriety of the Donnelly name.

Despite this tragic event, the Donnelly name has also been associated with numerous individuals who have achieved great success in various fields. From politicians and writers to athletes and musicians, Donnellys have made their mark in society. The name continues to be found among Irish and Irish-American communities, proudly representing a legacy of courage, strength, and determination.