The name Donnelly is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic 'Ó Donagáin', which is believed to mean 'descendant of Donovan'. It was originally a patronymic surname, indicating that it belonged to the descendants of someone named Donovan.
Donnelly is a rare given name, but when used as such, it can be considered a masculine name. It has not been popular in many countries outside Ireland, although its usage may vary depending on trends and cultural influences. In some regions, it might be more commonly found as a surname rather than a first name.
The name Donnelly does not have any associated name days or feast days for the saints with this name, as it is not a traditionally canonized saint's name in the Catholic Church. Similarly, there are no specific personality traits or characteristics universally attributed to people named Donnelly, as individual personalities can greatly vary regardless of their given names.
The name Donnelly has been carried by notable figures throughout history, such as American football player Pat Donnelly and Irish politician Thomas J. Donnelly. However, these individuals are known for their achievements rather than any perceived traits associated with the name itself.
In summary, while Donnelly is a rare first name of Irish origin, it is more commonly found as a surname. Its usage and popularity can vary depending on regional trends and cultural influences. There are no universally recognized name days or personality traits linked to this name.
"Over a span of 64 years, the name Donnelly was given to newborns 7 times in 1922 and 6 times in 1926, with 5 occurrences each in 1934, 1949, 1950, 1975, and 1986. In total, there were 38 births bearing the name Donnelly."