Surname Doona - Meaning and Origin

Doona: What does the surname Doona mean?

The last name Doona is of Irish origin, deriving from the O'Dunadhachain clan. In Gaelic, the name translates to ‘descendant of Dunadachain’, likely referring to a personal name in the form of Dunadhachain meaning ‘grand or great leader’.

The O'Dunadhachain clan is believed to have descended from the Gaelic Sept of Fearhaine, an ancient people which inhabited the lands of north Connaught in modern-day Ireland. The O’Dunadhachains were powerful rulers of the Thomond and Bunratty region, located in the present-day County Clare. During the medieval period, the clan landed a succession of prominent roles, including Zoll Ceannaire, as chiefs of the region.

Over the centuries, the name has changed and evolved. Today, some of the alternative names that are derived from the longer O’Dunadhachain include Donahue, Donahy, Donohue, Donohey, Donohue, Donohoe, Donah, Dunah, Doona, Don, Dunne, and others.

Despite its humble Irish roots, the name has spread around the world, borne by countless families alongside other Irish surnames. For anyone of this name, it is a proud symbol of a long and rich heritage and a reminder of a strong clan lineage.

Doona: Where does the name Doona come from?

The last name Doona is common today primarily in Ireland. It has its roots from late medieval feudal times and is thought to be connected to the Gaelic ‘Ua Duinn’ which means ‘descendant of Donn’. Donn is thought to be either an Irish saint or a Connacht chieftain; the name may also have been created by the Anglicisation of another Irish name, Ó Duinnín.

The majority of the current recorded Doona families in Ireland are located in north Connacht, particularly in the counties of Mayo and Roscommon. This suggests that their ancestral home may have been in the ancient Irish kingdom of Oriel, which roughly corresponds to the area of north Connacht.

As well as being common in Ireland, the name Doona is also known in Scotland, where about 30 individuals with this surname can be found. This could also suggest a link with the Irish kingdom of Oriel, as there were connections between the Gaelic Irish and Scots at that time.

Outside of Ireland and Scotland, the most common country in which the name Doona is currently found is England. Here it is known mainly in the English Midlands and the East Anglian area.

In the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States the name is much rarer. It is likely that individuals with this surname in these countries are of Irish descent, and potentially either from Oriel or other parts of Ireland.

Variations of the surname Doona

The surname Doona is an Irish surname and is an Anglicized form of the medieval Gaelic O’Dubhthaigh, meaning “descendant of Dubhthaigh”, a personal name meaning “black”. In addition to Doona, this surname has several variants and spellings, including Doon, Doone, O’Doona, Dooney, O’Dooney, O’Dubhthaigh, and O’Dwane.

The variants of the surname Doona are most common in Ireland, where the Gaelic name O’Dubhthaigh first appeared. The first record of the surname was in the 12th century in Counties Cork and Kerry. In the modern era, the Doonas and their variants have a large presence in the Irish Republic today.

A branch of the Doona family also moved to Scotland, where names such as Doane, Doone, and Doon are more commonly seen. In Scotland, the Doona variants would have been Anglicized from form of the Gaelic MacDubhghaill.

The related surnames Dyer and Deane are two other Anglicised forms of the Gaelic O’Dubhthaigh. Dyer is derived from the Gaelic word odhar, meaning “tawny.” Also, in England, a Devonian variant of O’Dubhthaigh is seen in the form of Donovan.

The many variants of the Infamous O’Dubhthaigh surname illustrate the way in which a surname was changed to reflect the local accent and dialect. Throughout Ireland and Scotland's history, the Doona variants have been used interchangeably to indicate the same line of heritage.

Famous people with the name Doona

• Jim Doone: renowned English footballer who won a bronze medal in the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp.
• Stephen Doone: American actor and producer, best known for his role in the TV series Lost and the movie Spirited Away.
• Donell James Doone: Jamaican actor, known for the movies, Cardboard Gangsters and Whengaard.
• Amy Doone: Australian singer-songwriter, who is known for her illustrious and award-winning career.
• Roderick Doone: English actor who was nominated for a BAFTA for his role in Insectland.
• Alex Doone: British mountaineer who has conquered some of the world's most challenging mountain peaks.
• Nicole Doone: Canadian model and beauty pageant contestant who competed in the Miss Universe pageant.
• Deven Doone: American rapper and producer, who has worked with some of the biggest names in hip-hop.
• Arianne Doone: American fashion designer, who has been featured in a number of high fashion magazines.
• Ryan Doone: Irish musician and songwriter, who has won awards for his work in a range of genres.

Other surnames

DoonanDoonerDooney