MacDonnell (surname)

MacDonnell
Language(s)Gaelic
Origin
Meaning"Son of Dòmhnall"
Region of originScotland, Ireland
Other names
Variant form(s)Donnell, MacDonell, McConnell, MacConnell, Donald, MacDonald, McDonald, Donaldson,

MacDonnell, Macdonnell, or McDonnell is a surname of Irish and Scottish origin. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic patronymic Mac Dhòmhnaill, meaning "son of Dòmhnall". The Gaelic personal name Dòmhnall is a Gaelicised form of the name Donald, which is composed of the elements domno, meaning "world", and val, meaning "might" or "rule". The name is considered a variation of MacDonald.

MacDonnells are found in both Scottish and Irish nobility, where they have held an important role in the history of both countries.