Donnelly

“descendant of Donnghal.”

Ireland origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1734US 2023

466Births / yr

→Stable

38All-time births

📅 Since 192200

How to pronounce Donnelly

DAH·nul·ee

/ˈdɑ.nəl.iː/ · stress on DAH · 3 syllables

“descendant of Donnghal.”

Ireland origin · Boy name

What does Donnelly mean and where does it come from?

Donnelly is an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Donnghaile, meaning 'descendant of Donnghal.' It is commonly found in Ireland and has spread to populations in the United States due to emigration. The name was first recorded in the 9th century and is connected to various historical figures in I

Cultural significance

Donnelly has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of irish.

Peak popularity

Reached #3853 in 1922 — currently #1734 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Donnelly?

Donnelly works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Donnelly Grace

How popular is Donnelly right now?

Holding steady — currently #1734 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1950–2023#1734 · Top 1.3%

1950

1975

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1734	466	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2022	#1739	446	▲ up 5 · +7% births
2021	#1744	416	▲ up 3995 · +8220% births
1975	#5739	5	▼ down 1719
1950	#4020	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Donnelly

Best Year2023Rank #1734

Peak Count466

Average Rank#2995

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1950 - 20235 years

The story of Donnelly

Donnelly entered American naming records in 1922 and has been in use for over 102 years. With 38 total births recorded, Donnelly remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4020 in 1950 to #1734 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Donnelly in 1922:

John Robert William James Charles

Donnelly by decade

Donnelly peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →

Decade	Births
1920s ★	13
1930s	5
1940s	5
1950s	5
1970s	5
1980s	5

💎Donnelly has only 38 total recorded births since 1922 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Donnelly?

Common

DonDoOnnelly

What names sound and feel like Donnelly?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Donnelly also consider these

American · World ruler

Donell

Ireland · world mighty

Connolly

Ireland · descendant of Conall

Ireland · strong as a

Common questions about the name Donnelly

What does the name Donnelly mean?

Donnelly means "Irish" — a name rooted in Ireland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Donnelly?

Donnelly is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Donnelly?

Donnelly originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Donnelly?

Donnelly is a three-syllable name pronounced D AA1 N AH0 L IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Donnelly?

Donnelly pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Ireland heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.