Donnelly Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationDON-uh-lee / /ˈdɒn.ə.li/Irish; Gaelic
Meaning
Irish: 'descendant of Donall'; Gaelic: 'world ruler'
Historical & Cultural Background
The surname Donnelly is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic 'Dónall', meaning 'world ruler'. It is commonly associated with the ancient Gaelic nobility in Ireland. The name has been borne by various notable figures throughout Irish history. As a given name, it has gained popularity in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States.
Trend Summary
Donnelly has seen a steady rise in popularity as a given name in the United States over recent decades.
Similar Names
Variants
- Donal
- Donnell
International Variants
- Donal (Irish)
- Donnelly (Irish)
Famous people named Donnelly
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Fictional characters named Donnelly
Donnelly is a character in the TV series 'The Wire', known for his involvement in the drug trade.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Donnelly was first seen in the United States in 1922. Donnelly has ranked as high as #889 nationally, which occurred in 1922, and has been most popular in . In the past 5 years the name Donnelly has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Donnelly
No state data available for this year.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1922 | 7 |
| 1926 | 6 |
| 1934 | 5 |
| 1949 | 5 |
| 1950 | 5 |
| 1975 | 5 |
| 1986 | 5 |