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Home › Baby Names Directory › Donell

Donell

♂ Boy

Pronounced duh-NEL /dəˈnɛl/High

Meaning: A spelling of Donnell/Donal — from the Irish Domhnall, domhan, 'world', + gal, 'valor/might', hence 'a world ruler; a mighty chief'; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A world ruler; a great chief: Donell spells Donnell/Donal. Crisp, classic, and warm.
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Origin LowIrish
MeaningA spelling of Donnell/Donal — from the Irish Domhnall, domhan, 'world', + gal, 'valor/might', hence 'a world ruler; a mighty chief'; routes layered
U.S. rank (2025)#6554 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births13 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1959
Total births (all-time)≈ 4,827

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 195919152025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Donell is a spelling of Donnell/Donal — from the Irish Domhnall, domhan, 'world', + gal, 'valor/might', hence 'a world ruler; a mighty chief' (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, classic name (said 'duh-NEL').

In the U.S. it appears as a spelling of Donnell. Rare in this form, a-world-ruler at the root, and crisp.

Did you know? Donnell/Donal joins the Irish domhan, 'world', and gal, 'valor', hence 'a world ruler; a mighty chief' — Donell is a spelling, crisp and classic (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'duh-NEL').
Overall data confidence 30%
References — Donnell — Irish; routes layered

Variations

DonnellDonalDonnel

Nicknames

Don

Famous Bearers

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If you like Donell…

Donnell— the standard spelling
Donovan— a fellow Don- Irish boys' name
Darnell— a sound-neighbor -nell boys' name
Niall— shares the -ll ending
Connell— a fellow Irish choice

Explore names like Donell

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Donell mean?

Donell spells Donnell/Donal — Irish 'a world ruler; a mighty chief' (domhan + gal); the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Donell?

It's said duh-NEL /dnl/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Donell a boy or girl name?

Donell is a boy's name.

How popular is Donell?

Donell is a very rare name in the U.S.

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