Surname MacDonell - Meaning and Origin

MacDonell: What does the surname MacDonell mean?

The last name MacDonell is of Scottish origin and represents a patronymic surname derived from the personal name Domhnall or Donald, which means "world ruler" or "world wielder" in Gaelic. The prefix "Mac" means "son of", hence the full meaning of MacDonell is "son of Donald". The surname MacDonell denotes ancestry or lineage tracing back to a forefather named Donald. The spelling of MacDonell can vary, including MacDonald, MacDonnell, and McDaniel, among others, as surnames were often recorded based on their phonetic sound. This surname is prominent in Scottish history, particularly within the Highlands and the Hebrides, associated with Clan Donald, one of the largest Scottish clans.

MacDonell: Where does the name MacDonell come from?

The MacDonell surname is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Dòmhnaill," which means "son of Dòmhnall" or "son of Donald." The name Donald originates from two components of old Celtic – ‘dubno’, meaning ‘world’, and ‘val’, translating to ‘rule’.

MacDonells are a prominent clan in the Scottish Highlands, specifically from the regions of Glengarry and Keppoch. Historically, Clan MacDonell has been an influential force in Scottish politics and military affairs.

In modern times, the MacDonell surname is found in considerable numbers in Scotland, especially in the Highlands. However, due to historic emigration - triggered by events like the Highland Clearances of the 18th and 19th centuries - it is also common in countries such as Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, where Scottish communities have settled. Particularly in Canada, people with the last name MacDonell have played significant roles in the development of the country. Today, the surname is often seen in various forms such as McDonald, McDonnell, and MacDonnell, aside from the original spelling MacDonell.

Variations of the surname MacDonell

The surname MacDonell is of Scottish origin, stemming from the Gaelic name Mac Dhomhnuill, which means "son of Donald." This surname has several variants and can be spelled differently depending on regional elements and due to translation between Gaelic and English.

Common variants of this surname include: MacDonald, Macdonald, MacDonell, McDonell, McDonaill, McDonnell, MacDonnell, MacDonald, and Donaldson.

The spelling can also change based on the specific patronymic line (i.e., which 'Donald' is being referenced). For instance, Clan Donald from the Scottish highlands might use MacDonald, while those from the lowlands may prefer McDonald.

Furthermore, some families dropped the 'Mac' or 'Mc' prefix over time, resulting in variations such as Donnell and Donell. It's also worth noting that the prefix 'Mac' sometimes merges with the rest of the name, as seen in spellings like Mcdonald.

Keep in mind that diverse spellings emerged due to many factors such as migration, anglicization, and the crossing of language barriers. Therefore, while these variations are similar and related, they may not all trace back to the same exact ancestral line.

Famous people with the name MacDonell

• Richard Graves MacDonell: An Irish-born colonial administrator who served as Governor of the British colonies.
• John Alexander MacDonell: A lawyer and politician in Ontario, Canada.
• Scarlett Macdonell: A Canadian actress known for her role in the movie "Grave Halloween."
• Callum Keith MacDonell: A Scottish folk musician, known for his haunting Gaelic songs.
• Allan MacDonell: An American author and journalist who has written for publications such as Vice and LA Weekly.
• Glengarry MacDonell: A Scottish clan chief and prominent figure in the Jacobite rising of 1745.
• Hugh Allen Innes Macdonell: A British diplomat who was ambassador to Egypt and High Commissioner to South Africa.
• James MacDonell: A British journalist and newspaper editor.
• Alexander MacDonell: Was a Roman Catholic bishop in early 19th-century Scotland and Canada.
• George Macdonell: A British Army officer who became a notable cricket administrator.
• Andrew MacDonell: A rugby union player who represented Scotland.
• Ranald MacDonell: Australian singer and songwriter known for his blues and folk music.
• Bill MacDonell: An Emmy-winning writer, producer, and comedian.
• Jeanette MacDonell: A British author known for her romance novels.
• Hamish MacDonell: A Scottish journalist and broadcast commentator.

Other surnames

MacDonell of Glengarry