Donnell

Scottish
"proud chief"

Donnell Origin and Meaning

The name Donnell is a boy's name.

Donnell is a masculine name with Irish and Scottish Gaelic origins, derived from the Gaelic 'Domhnall' which means 'world ruler' or 'world mighty.' It emerged as a surname before transitioning to use as a given name. In the United States, Donnell gained moderate popularity during the mid-20th century, particularly in African American communities, but has never ranked among the top 100 names. The name carries a strong, authoritative quality while maintaining a friendly approachability. Donnell features the recognizable 'Don' prefix but offers a more distinctive alternative to Donald, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with traditional roots but a contemporary feel.

# 987 in the US

Donnell Rank in US Top 1000

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Famous People Named Donnell

  • Donnell M. Rawlings
    American comedian
  • Donnell Turner
    American actor
  • Curtis Donnell David aka Big Mello
    American rapper