Surname Donelan - Meaning and Origin
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Donelan: What does the surname Donelan mean?
The last name Donelan is of Irish origin. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name "Ó Domhnalláin", which means "descendant of Domhnallán". The name Domhnallán is a diminutive form of "Domhnall", meaning "world mighty" from the elements "domun" (world) and "gal" (valour). It is mainly found in the region of Connacht on the west coast of Ireland. Like many Irish surnames, it has been subject to various spellings over the years due to the translation from Gaelic to English, such as Donnellan, Donellan, and others. So, the last name Donelan signifies a line of descent from a person named Domhnallán, who was presumably noted for his might or valour.
Order DNA origin analysisDonelan: Where does the name Donelan come from?
The surname Donelan is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Ó Domhnalláin", which translates to "descendant of Domhnallán". The name Domhnallán itself means "little world mighty". The lineage is often associated with the Irish province of Connacht, specifically the county of Galway, where the Donelan family held a family seat from ancient times.
The surname experienced considerable dispersion over time, influenced by historical events such as the Great Irish Famine in the mid-19th century, one of the largest mass departures from Ireland. Many Donelans migrated to countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand in search of better opportunities, carrying the name with them and spreading it abroad.
Today, the Donelan surname can still be found in Ireland, but it is also common in countries with high Irish diaspora populations like the United States and the United Kingdom. Other countries influenced by Irish migration, such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, also host individuals carrying the Donelan surname. However, as it's true with many surnames, the prevalence of Donelan can vary significantly even within these countries, being more common in certain regions or cities than others.
Variations of the surname Donelan
The surname Donelan is predominantly found in Ireland, belonging to the Gaelic "O'Dómhnalláin".
Variants of the surname Donelan can include Donnellan, Donnellon, Donelon, Donnelan, Donnolan, Donnelon, Donalain, Donlan, and Donlin. These different variations have mostly cropped up due to the many ways the original Gaelic name has been anglicised over the centuries.
Both surnames and the variants have been used interchangeably throughout the word, contributing to their spread. For example Donnellon and Donlon are more commonly seen in the United States, while forms like Donnellan is more common in Ireland.
The surname and its variants are said to have originated with the O’Domhnalláin clan, who was a sept of the Ui Maine in what is now County Galway and County Roscommon. The name O’Domhnalláin itself derives from the personal name Domhnallán which means "little world-mighty" or "world wielder".
It’s worth mentioning that variations of spelling often occurred even within the same family's documents. In the past, many people were illiterate and officials would write names as they were pronounced, leading to a variety of spellings.
Famous people with the name Donelan
- Patrick Donelan: Irish Fine Gael politician who became the Minister for Justice in 2020.
- Eamon Donelan: former Irish Army officer, he served as the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána from 1996 to 2000.
- Arthur Donelan: Irish television producer, he produced shows like The Late Late Show and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
- Shona Donelan: British Civil Servant, she is the Chief Executive of the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership.
- Ciara Donelan: Irish actress, she is best known for her role as Cara Malone on the television series Fair City.
- Bridget Donelan: Irish politician, she was a Senator for Fine Gael in the 21st Seanad.
- Michael Donelan: Irish politician, he is the Minister of State at the Department of Health since 2020.
- Paul Donelan: Former President of the National Farmers Union of England and Wales.
- Ian Donelan: English veteran of the Malayan Emergency, he was awarded a Military Cross for bravery in action.
- Pauline Donelan: English journalist, she wrote many investigative articles on crime in London for The Sunday Times.