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Show ContentsMcDonel Surname History
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Extended Surname History Download (PDF) - Letter Size

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The ancestors of the McDonel family come from the ancient Scottish kingdom of Dalriada. Their surname comes from the personal name Donald. the surname is derived from the Gaelic Mac Dhomhnuill, which means son of Donald; it is a form of the surname MacDonald.

Early Origins of the McDonel family

The surname McDonel was first found in Inverness, where the origins of this name can be traced back to Somerled, Regulus of the Isles, who evicted the Norsemen from the Western Isles during the 12th century. From him is descended John Macdonald, first Lord of the Isles, and it was MacDonald's younger son, Ranald, who was the progenitor of Clanrald, which includes the families of Moidart, Morar, Knoidart and Glengarry. The MacDonells are from this last branch. It is from Ranald's son, Donald, that the MacDonell's take their name (Son of Donald). There is also a branch of the MacDonells that claim Ranald's other son, Alistair, as its progenitor (the Keppoch branch).

Early History of the McDonel family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McDonel research. Another 376 words (27 lines of text) covering the years 1211, 1411, 1575, 1609, 1647, 1672, 1683, 1745, 1749, 1790, 1794, 1812 and 1890 are included under the topic Early McDonel History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McDonel Spelling Variations

Medieval spelling was at best an intuitive process, and translation between Gaelic and English was no more effective. These factors caused an enormous number of spelling variations in Dalriadan names. In fact, it was not uncommon to see a father and son who spelled their name differently. Over the years, McDonel has been spelled MacDonnell, MacDonnel, McDonnell, MacDonell and others.

Early Notables of the McDonel family

More information is included under the topic Early McDonel Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the McDonel family to Ireland

Some of the McDonel family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 118 words (8 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Canada McDonel migration to Canada +

Settlers from Scotland put down roots in communities all along the east coast of North America. Some moved north from the American colonies to Canada as United Empire Loyalists during the American War of Independence. As Clan societies and highland games started in North America in the 20th century many Scots rediscovered parts of their heritage. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name McDonel were among those contributors:

McDonel Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Mr. Randy McDonel U.E. who settled in Canada c. 1784 1
  1. Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
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