Connolly is an Irish surname and given name of Anglo-Norman origin, derived from the Gaelic Ó Conalláin sept name. It means "descendant of Connallán", a personal name based on the Old Irish word "connall" meaning "unanimous". The name was brought to Ireland by the Normans in the 12th century and has since been widely used as both a surname and given name throughout Ireland, Scotland, England, and beyond.
"The name Connolly had a notable resurgence in popularity between 2017 and 2022, with an average of five births per year during this period."