Origin & Meaning of the Donnelly Surname
What does the last name Donnelly mean?
The surname Donnelly 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 31,505 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Donnelly ranks as the #1,114 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Donnelly come from?
The Donnelly 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 Donnelly name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Donnelly 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 | Donnelly |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,114 |
| US Count (2010) | 31,505 |
| Per 100K People | 10.68 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Donnelly
According to the US Census, the Donnelly surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 31,505 Americans with the Donnelly last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.31% |
| Black | 1.07% |
| Hispanic | 2.5% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.63% |
| Native American | 0.23% |
| Two or More Races | 1.26% |
Popularity of Donnelly Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Donnelly surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Donnelly surname increased by 586 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Donnelly Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Donnelly
- ✓ The Donnelly coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
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- ✓ Notable Donnelly bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Donnelly
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Donnelly.
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 Donnelly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Donnelly
Top Surnames Starting with D
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter D, ranked by population.
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