Donell Unisex

Popularity: #925 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: doh-NELL //dəˈnɛl//

Origin: Irish; Scottish

Meaning: Irish: 'world mighty'; Scottish: 'ruler'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Donell has its roots in the Gaelic language, deriving from the name Dónall, which is composed of the elements "dó" meaning "world" and "all" meaning "mighty" or "ruler." This etymological foundation suggests a meaning akin to "mighty ruler of the world." The name Dónall was adapted into various forms as it spread through different cultures, eventually leading to the anglicized version, Donell, as it entered English usage, particularly in the context of Irish and Scottish heritage. Historically, the name Dónall has been borne by several notable figures, including Dónall of the Gaels, a prominent figure in early medieval Ireland.

The name also appears in various forms in the annals of Irish history, with figures such as Donal O'Brien, a king of Munster in the 12th century, contributing to its significance. The name's presence in literature and historical texts, including the Annals of the Four Masters, which chronicle Irish history from ancient times to the 17th century, further solidifies its historical importance.

Culturally, the name Donell and its variants have been associated with strength and leadership, qualities that resonate through various legends and tales in Irish and Scottish folklore. The name has also been linked to the concept of nobility and valor, often appearing in stories of heroic figures.

Additionally, diminutive forms such as Donny have emerged, reflecting a more affectionate or familiar usage. The enduring legacy of the name is evident in its continued association with themes of power and respect throughout its historical journey.

Famous people named Donell

In this section, you will find notable people named Donell. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Donell who have made a significant impact on popular culture.

We also feature individuals named Donell who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.

Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.

Donell Jones is a singer and songwriter best known for Where I Wanna Be, U Know What's Up, and Shorty Got Her Eyes on Me.

Donell Rawlings is a comedian and actor best known for Chappelle's Show, The Real World, and The Wire.

Sibling suggestions

If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Donell, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.

DonnellDanielDorianDerekDamonDylan

Similar names

Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Donell. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.

RonellJanelCornellGarnellKendallMarnellTarnell

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Donell was first seen in the United States in 1915.

Donell has ranked as high as #1694 nationally, which occurred in 1959, and has been most popular in Illinois, New York, California, Mississippi, and Texas.

In the past 5 years the name Donell has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

The name Donell is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Donell was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Donell.

Year Total Births Boy Girl
2025 13 13 0
2024 8 8 0
2023 12 12 0
2022 8 8 0
2021 11 11 0
2020 13 13 0
2019 15 15 0
2018 17 17 0
2017 15 15 0
2016 9 9 0
2015 18 18 0
2014 27 27 0
2013 21 21 0
2012 26 26 0
2011 24 24 0
2010 37 37 0
2009 25 25 0
2008 39 39 0
2007 44 44 0
2006 48 48 0
2005 51 51 0
2004 40 40 0
2003 33 33 0
2002 47 47 0
2001 47 47 0
2000 68 68 0
1999 42 42 0
1998 40 40 0
1997 49 49 0
1996 36 36 0
1995 39 39 0
1994 52 52 0
1993 54 54 0
1992 63 63 0
1991 66 66 0
1990 80 74 6
1989 60 60 0
1988 63 63 0
1987 70 63 7
1986 79 68 11
1985 81 81 0
1984 79 67 12
1983 88 77 11
1982 83 74 9
1981 95 81 14
1980 93 81 12
1979 96 83 13
1978 101 81 20
1977 108 94 14
1976 97 87 10
1975 95 80 15
1974 96 83 13
1973 92 79 13
1972 105 89 16
1971 89 72 17
1970 80 64 16
1969 86 67 19
1968 102 78 24
1967 81 64 17
1966 90 71 19
1965 94 78 16
1964 93 80 13
1963 84 68 16
1962 92 69 23
1961 78 61 17
1960 104 88 16
1959 110 99 11
1958 83 69 14
1957 102 89 13
1956 108 93 15
1955 94 77 17
1954 90 74 16
1953 83 74 9
1952 84 72 12
1951 70 58 12
1950 55 47 8
1949 61 51 10
1948 38 32 6
1947 46 36 10
1946 35 30 5
1945 30 23 7
1944 22 22 0
1943 14 14 0
1942 19 12 7
1941 25 25 0
1940 35 30 5
1939 23 23 0
1938 24 24 0
1937 15 15 0
1936 13 13 0
1935 19 19 0
1934 31 31 0
1933 12 12 0
1932 27 22 5
1931 17 17 0
1930 14 14 0
1929 15 15 0
1928 10 10 0
1927 14 14 0
1926 18 18 0
1925 9 9 0
1924 12 12 0
1923 9 9 0
1922 12 12 0
1920 8 8 0
1917 8 8 0
1916 5 5 0
1915 8 8 0

Top States for Donell (2014)

We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.

State Births Share
CA 5
100%