About the Donnell Surname

Behind the Donnell surname stands O'Donnell, an Irish name that clerks and families wrote in more than one way. In origin, the name means “Descendant of Domhnall ("world mighty")”.

• Before spelling was fixed, O'Donnell was also written Donnell.
• Spellings drifted because names were written down by ear in parish books, tax rolls and passenger lists.
• Other spellings include O'Donnel and MacDonnell.

Arms associated with the name

Looking for a Donnell coat of arms? Arms were granted to families, not to surnames, and our research shows which heraldic tradition fits yours. For the full story, order the Donnell surname pack.