First found in county Kerry, where they held a family seat from very ancient times.

Many Irish families boarded ships bound for North America in the middle of 19th century to escape the conditions of poverty and racial discrimination at that time. Although these immigrants often arrived in a destitute state, they went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations of the United States and Canada. An inquiry into many immigration and passenger lists has revealed many early immigrants to North America bearing the O'Donahue family name: Bridget Donaghue who settled in Boston Mass. in 1850; along with Catherine, Charles, Dennis, Ellen, John, Mary, Michael, Patrick, Thomas, and many many more who settled in Philadelphia, and New York State.

For more information on the last name O'Donahue, the PDF Surname History is available for purchase as well as other products.