The O'Donnell Coat of Arms and Name Meaning
Discover the meaning of O'Donnell, its origins in Ireland, and the story behind a O'Donnell family crest.
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Origin of the O'Donnell name
O'Donnell comes from Ó Domhnaill, "descendant of Domhnall", a name meaning "world mighty". The O'Donnells ruled Tír Conaill, the modern County Donegal, from the thirteenth century until Rory O'Donnell left Ireland in the Flight of the Earls of 1607. Separate O'Donnell septs also arose in Clare and Galway. The name is common throughout Ireland.
Our historical archives hold much more on the O'Donnell name: dates, names and records of early bearers.
This overview covers the O'Donnell name in Ireland. We also hold records of the name in other countries, such as the United States, England and Australia; your full pack is researched for your family's country of origin.
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The complete O'Donnell pack goes much further: documented origins, early records and family spread, plus a hand-checked coat of arms.
O'Donnell name FAQ
What does the O'Donnell name mean?
Descendant of Domhnall ("world mighty"). Common variants include O'Donnel, Donnell, MacDonnell.
Where does the O'Donnell surname come from?
It originates in Ireland, and is also found in the United States, England and Australia.
Is there a O'Donnell coat of arms?
Arms were granted to individuals, not whole surnames, so there is no single O'Donnell crest. Herald Lab paints a personalized O'Donnell coat of arms based on historic heraldry.
Researched by Herald Lab Research Studio, since 1993. Sources: MacLysaght, The Surnames of Ireland; Dictionary of American Family Names (Oxford); US Census Bureau 2010.