Surname MacDomhnaill - Meaning and Origin
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MacDomhnaill: What does the surname MacDomhnaill mean?
The surname MacDomhnaill is a patronymic name from the Irish language. It is found mostly in Scotland and Ireland. The name means "son of Domhnall," which is derived from the Old Irish lexeme Dubno-valo, meaning "world-powerful" or "world-mighty."
In early Irish history, leaders and warriors bearing this surname were influential figures in both Gaelic Scotland and Ireland. Clann Domhnaill, or the descendants of Domhnall, were prominent in the early formation of the kingdom of Scotland, with Domhnall’s descendants ruling the kingdom of Scotland in the 13th century. In Ireland, descendants of Domhnall helped form the O’Donnell dynasty, which ruled much of Ulster and Donegal in the medieval period.
The MacDomhnaill name is still found in both Scotland and Ireland. In Scotland, it is concentrated mainly in Perthshire and is found in other locations throughout the country. In Ireland, the name is mainly found in Ulster and Donegal, though there are still residents of the name in other parts of the country and in countries abroad.
The pronunciation of MacDomhnaill varies depending on which country the name originates from. In Scotland, the name is pronounced as mack-DON-al; in Ireland, it is pronounced mack-DOON-al.
Order DNA origin analysisMacDomhnaill: Where does the name MacDomhnaill come from?
The surname MacDomhnaill, also known as McDonald, is most common today in Scotland, Ireland, and the United States. In Scotland, McDonald is the tenth most common surname, with approximately 1 in every 66 people bearing the name. In Ireland, however, the surname is much more common, with McDonald being the fifth most common last name. In the United States, the surname McDonald is commonly found throughout the country, but is most prominent in the six states that formerly belonged to the Confederate states.
McDonald is derived from Scotland's ancient Clan Donald. Clan Donald, which comprises of multiple clans and septs, was founded in the 1300s by Angus Mor and has spread to include multiple branches of the surname. Traditionally, the surname McDonald is associated with the Hebrides and the Isles of Islay and Jura, though branches of the family are found throughout Scotland.
McDonald is also a common surname mask es in Ireland. In Ireland, the surname is commonly associated with County Cavan, thanks in part to a 17th century member of the family, Myles McDonald. The family grew in prominence in County Cavan, as well as other parts of Ulster, and continues to be an important and well-recognized family in the region today.
Though McDonald is popular in Scotland, Ireland, and the United States, there are branches of the family whose members reside throughout the world. The surname is commonly found in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as in many other countries.
Variations of the surname MacDomhnaill
MacDomhnaill, or McDonald, is an Irish surname of Gaelic origin, deriving from the Old Gaelic Ó Domhnaill, which translates as descendent of Domhnall (Donald). Variants of the MacDomhnaill surname include MacDonnel, McDonnell, MacDonnell, MacDonal, MacDonnell, MacDhonell, MacDhonnell, Donnell, O'Donnell and Donel.
The MacDonald clan is one of the oldest and largest clans in Scotland, claiming descent from Somerled, an 11th century warlord who had powerful connections on both sides of the Irish Sea. While the Scottish clans spread their reach across the Highlands and islands of Scotland, Irish clans are found predominantly along the west coast.
The Irish-speaking areas of Donegal, Leitrim, Tyrone and Fermanagh are proven to be ancestral home territories for the O'Donnells and MacDonnells. The O'Donnell stronghold at Donegal Castle is of particular importance. Descendants of the Irish O'Donnels have spread throughout the United States and other parts of the world.
MacDomhnaill is also found in Ireland as a variant of the Irish surname McDonnell. It often appears as MagDonnail, where a Ma and Mac are interchangeable. The variant MacDonnell is also very common in County Wexford, where it originated in the Barony of Forth in southeastern Ireland.
The spelling variations demonstrate the clan's diverse origins and its geographical spread. O’Donnell and MacDonnell remain the predominant variations in Co. Wexford with McDonald and MacDonald dominant in Scotland and O’Donnell prominent in Ulster, particularly in County Donegal.
The MacDomhnaill surname also has its roots in other Gaelic cultures in Scotland and Ireland, and can also be spelt Mac Dhomhnuill, MacIomhair, MacInnes, MacHugh and MacKinnis. These variations are especially common in the Highlands and Outer Hebrides of Scotland. The surname is also found in Scotland in the form of Dixon, Dixonne and McConnell.
Famous people with the name MacDomhnaill
- Grainne MacDomhnaill: Grainne is a well-known Irish singer, songwriter and musician that has been active in the Irish folk music scene since 1994.
- Finola MacDomhnaill: Finola is a public figure and successful published author from County Donegal. She is known for examining and commenting on the role of women and animal rights in the Britain and Irish culture.
- Hugh MacDomhnaill: Hugh is an Irish actor known for his roles in “Game of Thrones,” “Law & Order: UK” and “Vikings.”
- Cormac MacDomhnaill: Cormac is a Professor of Medicine at Trinity College Dublin and has been researching in the area of cardiology for over 15 years.
- Connie MacDomhnaill: Connie is an Irish lyricist, scriptwriter and actor, who has had several feature films on TV3 Ireland and had her own scriptwriting column for The Sunday Tribue.
- Joe MacDomhnaill: Joe is a renowned cattle farmer from County Donegal and has been featured in several radio shows and magazines for his innovative farming techniques.
- Padraig MacDomhnaill: Padraig is the founder of MacDomhnaill Landscaping and Design, which is a high-end landscaping company located in County Donegal.
- Eoghan MacDomhnaill: Eoghan is a renowned chef and restaurateur from County Donegal. His restaurant, “The MacDomhnaill Bistro,” has won multiple awards and is often featured as one of the best restaurants in the region.
- Francis MacDomhnaill: Francis is a world-renowned master leatherworker, based in Dunglow, County Donegal. His leatherworking works are exhibited in some of the finest galleries throughout the world.
- Elaine MacDomhnaill: Elaine is an Irish artist who has been making and selling her own artwork since the early 2000s. She has been featured numerous times in the Irish Times and had her work exhibited in several galleries throughout Ireland.