Gaelic sept

O'Connell

Ó Conaill
Also: Connell, O'Connel

“descendant of Conall — a name built from 'hound' and 'valour'”

The sept's historic heartland, highlighted. People moved — a name can be found far from home.

Quick answers
Is O'Connell an Irish name?

O'Connell is a Gaelic name: it was formed in Irish, from an Irish ancestor, before English was spoken here. In Irish the name is Ó Conaill.

What does the surname O'Connell mean?

O'Connell (Irish: Ó Conaill) means “descendant of Conall — a name built from 'hound' and 'valour'”. Origin: Gaelic sept.

Where in Ireland is the surname O'Connell from?

The historic homeland of the O'Connell name is Kerry, Galway, Derry / Londonderry. People moved, so the name can be found far beyond it.

What is the Irish for O'Connell?

Ó Conaill. Related spellings: Connell, O'Connel.

Looking for the O'Connell family crest? Read this first — arms belong to people, not surnames, and the honest version is more interesting. Tracing O'Connell ancestors? The step-by-step guide.

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