Surname ODonnal - Meaning and Origin

ODonnal: What does the surname ODonnal mean?

ODonnal is an Anglicized form of the Irish surname "O'Domhnaill," which means "descendant of Domhnall." The name "Domhnall" is derived from the Gaelic elements "domno," meaning "world," and "val," meaning "rule," so the literal interpretation of the name is "world ruler" or "ruler of the world." Those bearing the surname ODonnal or O'Donnell are linked to a rich heritage in Ireland, with origins tracing back to a powerful and ancient Irish royal family. Among the most notable O’Donnells in Irish history is Red Hugh O’Donnell, who, in the 16th century, was one of the leaders of the Nine Years' War against English rule in Ireland. Today, variations of the surname are found widely around the world due to Irish diaspora.

ODonnal: Where does the name ODonnal come from?

The last name O'Donnal is of Irish origin and is most commonly found today in the United States. It is estimated that the current population of those bearing the surname O'Donnal is approximately 2,300 individuals. It is believed that the surname O'Donnal first made its appearance in the U.S. shortly after the mid-19th century in the wake of the so-called "Irish Great Migration." Those who bore the name likely settled mainly across the Great Lakes region and the East Coast of the United States.

Nowadays, those bearing the surname O'Donnal can primarily be found residing in the Midwestern states of the U.S., particularly in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois. Additionally, many with the last name O'Donnal can still be found in their traditional ancestral homelands in the provinces of Munster and Leinster of southern Ireland.

The distribution of the surname O'Donnal today continues to reflect its ties to Irish America. It has managed to stay relatively clustered to regions of the United States that either had - or continue to have - a heavy Irish American presence.

Variations of the surname ODonnal

The surname O'Donnal is an Irish version of the Gaelic surname “Ó Donnghaile.” This name was taken from a nickname which means “brown-haired warrior or hero.” It may also be spelled O’Donnall, O’Donnel, O’Donnelle, Donnelly and Donley.

Over the years, this surname has undergone many spelling variations, including Donal, Donall, Donnell, Donnel, Donnal, Donnall, Donell, Donel, Donnelle, and Donnelly. Each of these variations have their own individual variations, with the original “Ó Donnghaile” becoming Donnelly, Donal becoming Donley, and Donall becoming Donnel.

The surname O’Donnal is most common in Ireland, particularly in the Irish counties of County Mayo, County Sligo, County Clare, and County Donegal. It is also found in Scotland, England, Canada and the United States.

In the United States, the surname is most often found in the states of California, New York, and Pennsylvania. In Canada, it is most prominent in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia.

The name Donnelly is the most common variant of the O'Donnal surname in Ireland today. It is thought to have derived from the Irish “Ó Donnghaile,” or “descendent of Donnghaile." It is currently the fourth most common surname in Ireland, and the same variants such as Don special, Donnel, Donnely, O'Donnel, and O'Donnelley are also quite common.

In summary, the surname O’Donnal has existed in many different forms, including Donnelly, Donal, Donall, Donnel, Donnal, Donnall, Donell , Donel, Donnelle, and Donnelly, as well as other variations. The variant Donnelly is the most common in Ireland today, but all variants can be found in the United States, Canada, Ireland, Scotland, and England.

Famous people with the name ODonnal

• Donie ODonnal: Actress, known for her roles in The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey and Georgie Don't Do It.
• Esmé ODonnal: Actress, known for her roles in The Battle for Torien and The Oracle of Sorrows.
• Sean ODonnal: Actor, known for his roles in Insecure and Better Call Saul.
• Joel ODonnal: Actor, known for his roles in Grey's Anatomy and Life as We Know It.
• Oliva ODonnal: Actress, known for her roles in The Happening and Spider-Man: Homecoming.
• Trish ODonnal: Actress, known for her roles in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Bones.
• Moira ODonnal: Actress, known for her roles in The Girl Next Door and Single Ladies.
• Kyle ODonnal: Actor, known for his roles in The Matrix and Sense8.
• Nancy ODonnal: Actress, known for her roles in Glee and Mom.
• Jack ODonnal: Actor, known for his roles in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Daredevil.

Other surnames

ODonnell