Show ContentsDonlin Surname History

Many variations of the name Donlin have evolved since the time of its initial creation. In Gaelic it appeared as Ó Domhnallain, derived from the personal name of Domhallan, Lord of Clan Breasail, from whom the sept claims descent. [1]

Early Origins of the Donlin family

The surname Donlin was first found in Galway (Irish: Gaillimh) part of the province of Connacht, located on the west coast of the Island, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Donlin family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Donlin research. Another 70 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1588, 1609, 1616, 1640, 1649, 1660, 1665 and 1705 are included under the topic Early Donlin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Donlin Spelling Variations

Those scribes in Ireland during the Middle Ages recorded names as they sounded. Consequently, in this era many people were recorded under different spellings each time their name was written down. Research on the Donlin family name revealed numerous spelling variations, including Donellan, Donnellan, Donnelan, Donelan, Donnellin, Donellin and many more.

Early Notables of the Donlin family

Prominent amongst the family at this time was Reverend Nehemiah Donellan (d. 1609), Archbishop of Tuam, who translated the New Testament into Irish. His name is written in Irish Fearganinm O'Domhnallain, and he was born in the county of Galway, and is said to have been a son of Melaghlin O'Donellan...
Another 51 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Donlin Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Donlin migration to the United States +

A massive amount of Ireland's native population left the island in the 19th century for North America and Australia in hopes of finding more opportunities and an escape from discrimination and oppression. A great portion of these migrants arrived on the eastern shores of the North American continent. Although they were generally poor and destitute, and, therefore, again discriminated against, these Irish people were heartily welcomed for the hard labor involved in the construction of railroads, canals, roadways, and buildings. Many others were put to work in the newly established factories or agricultural projects that were so essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest nations in the world. The Great Potato Famine during the late 1840s initiated the largest wave of Iris immigration. Early North American immigration and passenger lists have revealed a number of people bearing the name Donlin or a variant listed above:

Donlin Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Mary Ann Donlin, aged 21, who immigrated to the United States from Dublin, Ireland, in 1908
  • Catherine Donlin, aged 18, who landed in America from Miltown, Malbay, Ireland, in 1909
  • James Donlin, aged 25, who immigrated to the United States from Ireland, in 1909
  • Katherine Donlin, aged 27, who immigrated to America from Ireland, in 1911
  • Teresa Donlin, aged 38, who landed in America from Longford, Ireland, in 1912
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Donlin (post 1700) +

  • W. Patrick Donlin, American judge of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals
  • Michael Joseph Donlin (1878-1933), American Major League Baseball outfielder
  • Dr. Donlin Long (1934-2023), American neurosurgeon and medical innovator

Monongah Mine
  • Mr. Thomas Donlin (b. 1865), American coal miner who was in mine 6 at the Monongah mine on 6th December 1907 when it exploded and collapsed; he died [2]


The Donlin Motto +

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: Omni violentia major
Motto Translation: Too strong for any violence.


  1. MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland. Ireland: Irish Academic Press, sixth edition, 1985. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2366-3)
  2. Monongah Mining Disaster retrieved on 8th August 2021. (Retrieved fromhttps://usminedisasters.miningquiz.com/saxsewell/monongah.htm).


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