Surname ODonel - Meaning and Origin

ODonel: What does the surname ODonel mean?

The surname O'Donel is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "Domhnall" which means "world mighty", "world ruler" or "ruler of the world". The prefix ''O'' in Irish names means "descendant of", indicating a lineage or family connection to the original bearer of the name. The name O'Donel may have originated as a patronymic to signify the son of Domhnall. In the context of Irish clans and families, the O'Donel clan was a significant force, especially in the region of Tirconnell (now County Donegal) in the northwest of Ireland. Like many Irish family names, the spelling has varied over centuries and it can be found as O'Donnell, O'Donell, Donnell, Donell, O'Donel and other variations.

ODonel: Where does the name ODonel come from?

The last name ODonel is most commonly associated with Ireland today, although it is found in small numbers in many countries of the world, including the United States, England, Canada, Australia, and Scotland.

The Irish surname “ODonel” is derived from the ancient Gaelic surname “O’Dônghaile” which means “descendant of Dônghaile”. The original Dônghaile is thought to have lived in the Connemara area of Ireland’s County Galway during the 12th century.

The name ODonel is most often found today in numerous areas of Ireland, particularly in the counties Donegal, Leitrim, and Sligo. It is also particularly common in the city of Dublin and the surrounding counties of Meath, Kildare and Wicklow.

The last name ODonel is also found in small concentrations throughout the United States, particularly in the area of New York City and its five boroughs. Other parts of the United States where this name is found include the states of Texas, Florida, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.

One of the most well-known people to bear the last name ODonel is actor Owen ODonel from the television series "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit". He was born in Dublin, Ireland and, since his involvement with the show, has become a household name in the US.

In addition, there are many notable people with the last name O’Donel throughout the world, including a Guardian newspaper columnist, a former president of the Absecon Historical Society, and a renowned Irish folk artist.

Overall, the last name ODonel is still favored as a traditional Irish surname with a strong presence in many countries around the world.

Variations of the surname ODonel

The surname O'Donel is an Irish surname deriving from the Gaelic name Ó Dubhshláine, which translates to “descendent of Dubhshláine.” This was the name of the ruling family of Sligo for centuries, and is now a common Irish surname.

Variations of the O'Donel surname include O'Donnell, ODonel, O’Donell, Donal, ODonal, Donnell, O'Donelle, Donell, O'Donell, O'Donil, and Donnel. Variations of the name outside of Ireland can include the spellings Donaghy, Donahue, Donaghue, Donahy, Donahey, and Donnely.

The O’Donnell clan played a huge part in Irish history, with members of the clan leading rebellions, fighting Vikings and Normans, and ruling over large territories in Ireland. The clan was also powerful in Scotland, where the Clan Donald claims descent from the O'Donnells of Tyrconnell.

Today, members of the O’Donnell family can be found around the world, with significant numbers of people having the O'Donel surname in Australia, Canada, England, Scotland, the United States, and other countries.

Famous people with the name ODonel

• Shemar O’Donel: American actor, known for his roles on Criminal Minds, Ray Donovan, and The Young and the Restless.
• Heston O’Donel: American singer, songwriter, and Guitarist.
• Sean O’Donel: Irish professional rugby player.
• Angele O’Donel: American actress who appeared in sitcoms such as Brotherly Love and The Wayans Bros.
• P.T. O’Donel: American actor and director, best known for his roles in Pitch Perfect and The Midnight Man.
• Brendan O’Donel: Irish actor, known for his roles in films like Flight of Fury and Leap Year.
• Liz O’Donel: American TV producer, best known for her work on Kingdom Come.
• Tim O’Donel: American screenwriter and producer known for American Scoundrels, R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour, and Supernatural.
• John O’Donel: Irish professor of psychology, author and lecturer.
• Brian O’Donel: American assemblage artist and curator known for his large public artworks.

Other surnames

ODonell