| ![Show Contents]() Donelan Surname History
- Origins Available:
Ireland
Etymology of DonelanWhat does the name Donelan mean? Many variations of the name Donelan 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 Donelan familyThe surname Donelan 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 Donelan familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Donelan 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 Donelan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Donelan Spelling VariationsPronunciation, rather than spelling, guided scribes and church officials when recording names during the Middle Ages. This practice often resulted in one person's name being recorded under several different spellings. Numerous spelling variations of the surname Donelan are preserved in these old documents. The various spellings of the name that were found include Donellan, Donnellan, Donnelan, Donelan, Donnellin, Donellin and many more. Early Notables of the Donelan familyReverend 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. 2
His first son was Nehemiah Donnellan (1649-1705), was...
Another 51 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Donelan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
| Donelan migration to the United States | + |
The 19th century saw a great wave of Irish families leaving Ireland for the distant shores of North America and Australia. These families often left their homeland hungry, penniless, and destitute due to the policies of England. Those Irish immigrants that survived the long sea passage initially settled on the eastern seaboard of the continent. Some, however, moved north to a then infant Canada as United Empire Loyalists after ironically serving with the English in the American War of Independence. Others that remained in America later joined the westward migration in search of land. The greatest influx of Irish immigrants, though, came to North America during the Great Potato Famine of the late 1840s. Thousands left Ireland at this time for North America, and those who arrived were immediately put to work building railroads, coal mines, bridges, and canals. In fact, the foundations of today's powerful nations of the United States and Canada were to a larger degree built by the Irish. Archival documents indicate that members of the Donelan family relocated to North American shores quite early:
Donelan Settlers in United States in the 20th Century- Michael Donelan, aged 21, who arrived in New York in 1919 aboard the ship "Mauretania" from Southampton, England 3
- Mary Donelan, aged 24, originally from Rose Abbey, Ireland, who arrived in New York in 1919 aboard the ship "Cedric" from Liverpool, England 3
- Sarah Donelan, aged 20, originally from Cloonfad, Ireland, who arrived in New York in 1920 aboard the ship "Celtic" from Liverpool, England 3
- George Donelan, aged 18, who arrived in New York in 1920 aboard the ship "Aquitania" from Southampton, England 3
- Ellie Donelan, aged 22, originally from Ireland, who arrived in New York in 1921 aboard the ship "Celtic" from Liverpool, England 3
| Donelan migration to Canada | + |
Donelan Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century- Eleanor Donelan, aged 25, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1834 aboard the brig "Trafalgar" from Galway, Ireland
- Mr. Michael Donelan, aged 50 who was emigrating through Grosse Isle Quarantine Station, Quebec aboard the ship "Virginius" departing 28th May 1847 from Liverpool, England; the ship arrived on 12th August 1847 but he died on board 4
- Mr. Winford Donelan, aged 40 who was emigrating through Grosse Isle Quarantine Station, Quebec aboard the ship "Virginius" departing 28th May 1847 from Liverpool, England; the ship arrived on 12th August 1847 but he died on board 4
| Contemporary Notables of the name Donelan (post 1700) | + |
- Christopher J. Donelan (b. 1964), American law enforcement officer and politician
- Joseph F. Donelan Jr. (1918-1999), United States Assistant Secretary of State for Administration from 1971 to 1973
- Gerard P. Donelan (b. 1949), American cartoonist who drew "It's a Gay Life"
- Captain Anthony John Charles Donelan (1846-1924), Irish nationalist politician and soldier
- Bradleigh Thomas Peter Donelan (b. 1968), English professional cricketer
- MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland. Ireland: Irish Academic Press, sixth edition, 1985. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2366-3)
- Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
- Ellis Island Search retrieved 15th November 2022. Retrieved from https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/passenger-result
- Charbonneau, André, and Doris Drolet-Dubé. A Register of Deceased Persons at Sea and on Grosse Île in 1847. The Minister of Canadian Heritage, 1997. ISBN: 0-660-198/1-1997E (p. 73)
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