| ![Show Contents]() Donelson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Scotland Ireland The ancestors of the Donelson family come from the ancient Scottish kingdom of Dalriada. Their surname comes from a powerful ruler. The name Donald is derived from the Gaelic name Domhnull, or MacDhomhnuill, and the Celtic name Dubnovalos, all of which mean "world ruler" or "world-mighty". The name ranks second only to John in its popularity as a personal name in Scotland. Early Origins of the Donelson familyThe surname Donelson was first found in Galloway (Gaelic: Gall-ghaidhealaibh), an area of southwestern Scotland, now part of the Council Area of Dumfries and Galloway, that formerly consisted of the counties of Wigtown (West Galloway) and Kirkcudbright (East Galloway), where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D. Early History of the Donelson familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Donelson research. Another 167 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1575, 1620, 1703, 1713, 1780 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Donelson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Donelson Spelling VariationsMedieval 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, Donelson has been spelled Donald, Donaldson, Doneld, Donnald, Donnaldson and others. Early Notables of the Donelson familyNotable amongst the Clan from early times was Adam Donald (1703-1780), called 'the prophet of Bethelnie,' born at the hamlet of that name, twenty miles north of Aberdeen, in 1703. " Notwithstanding his extraordinary stature and build, which caused the country folk to regard him as a changeling 'supernatural in mind as well as in body,' he was unable from some infirmity to labour with his hands, while his parents, struggling peasants, could ill afford to maintain him. Donald had therefore to solve the perplexity of how to live. 'Observing,' says his biographer, 'with what a superstitious veneration the ignorant people...
Another 134 words (10 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Donelson Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Donelson RankingIn the United States, the name Donelson is the 8,947th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1  Migration of the Donelson family to Ireland
Some of the Donelson family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 90 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Donelson familySettlers 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 Donelson were among those contributors: Alexander Donald who settled in Georgia in 1775; Cornelius Donald settled in Maryland in 1776; Mary Donald settled in Pennsylvania in 1773; along with David, and Nash.
| Contemporary Notables of the name Donelson (post 1700) | + |
- John Lawrence Donelson (1829-1864), American Confederate cavalry officer in the American Civil War
- John Donelson (1718-1785), American explorer and adventurer and co-founder of Nashville, eponym of Donelson, Tennessee
- Emily Tennessee Donelson (1807-1836), Acting First Lady of the United States from 1829 to 1834 during the presidency of her uncle Andrew Jackson
- Rachel Donelson (1767-1828), American wife of Andrew Jackson, 7th President of the United States
- Daniel Smith Donelson (1801-1863), Tennessee politician and a Confederate general during the American Civil War, eponym of Fort Donelson
- Lewis Donelson (1918-2018), American centenarian, attorney, co-founder of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz
- Andrew Jackson Donelson (1799-1871), American diplomat and candidate for Vice President in 1856
- Donelson Caffery (1835-1906), American politician from the state of Louisiana
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: Per mare, per terras
Motto Translation: By sea, by land.
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