Origin & Meaning of the Donahue Surname
What does the last name Donahue mean?
The surname Donahue carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 31,563 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Donahue ranks as the #1,112 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Donahue come from?
The Donahue surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Donahue name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Donahue trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Donahue |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,112 |
| US Count (2010) | 31,563 |
| Per 100K People | 10.7 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Donahue
According to the US Census, the Donahue surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 31,563 Americans with the Donahue last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 92.35% |
| Black | 2.98% |
| Hispanic | 2.08% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.51% |
| Native American | 0.78% |
| Two or More Races | 1.3% |
Popularity of Donahue Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Donahue surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Donahue surname increased by 312 between 2000 and 2010.
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Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Donahue ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Donahue Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Donahue
- ✓ The Donahue coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
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- ✓ Notable Donahue bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Donahue
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Donahue.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Donahue.
Frequently Asked Questions About Donahue
Top Surnames Starting with D
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter D, ranked by population.
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