Recent in Baby
When Baby Resists SolidsWhen Baby Resists SolidsBaby Biting TipsBaby Biting Tips5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair Injuries5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair InjuriesWhen Baby and Pet MeetWhen Baby and Pet MeetTreatments for ColicTreatments for ColicBaby Milestones – The First YearBaby Milestones – The First YearTips for Relieving Teething PainTips for Relieving Teething PainBenefits of Making Your Own Baby FoodBenefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

Home › Baby Names Directory › Donnell

Donnell

♂ Boy

Pronounced də-NEL /dəˈnɛl/High

Meaning: From Irish Domhnall/Donal — 'world-ruler, mighty chief' (domun, 'world', plus val, 'rule')Medium

In 30 seconds: World-ruler and strong: Donnell is the Irish Donal — 'mighty chief, world-ruler'. Classic, bold, and warm.
💕 Browse more names
Origin MediumIrish
MeaningFrom Irish Domhnall/Donal — 'world-ruler, mighty chief' (domun, 'world', plus val, 'rule')
U.S. rank (2025)#4067 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births26 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1982
Total births (all-time)≈ 14,279

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 198219122025

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

Donnell comes from Irish Domhnall/Donal — 'world-ruler, mighty chief' (domun, 'world', plus val, 'rule'; the root of Donald). A classic, strong name (the surname O'Donnell), well-used in African American communities.

It registers thinly today. Rare now, world-ruler at the root, and bold.

Did you know? Donnell comes from Irish Domhnall/Donal, 'world-ruler, mighty chief' (the root of Donald) — a classic, bold name, popular in African American families too.
Overall data confidence 75%
Behind the Name — Donald — root etymology

Variations

DonalDonaldDonnel

Nicknames

Don

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Donnell…

Donald— a fellow Don- name
Darnell— a companion -ell name
Cornell— another -ell name
Niall— shares the -ll ending
Connell— echoes that soft -ll sound

Explore names like Donnell

By themeirishroyal
By meaningStrengthRoyal / NobleLeader

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Donnell mean?

Donnell is Irish for 'world-ruler, mighty chief'.

How do you pronounce Donnell?

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

Is Donnell a boy or girl name?

Donnell is a boy's name.

How popular is Donnell?

Donnell is a rare name in the U.S. today.

💬 Ask Nia