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Last Name Donohoe

What is the origin of the last name Donohoe?

The last name "Donohoe" is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name "Donnchadh," which means "brown warrior." The Donohoe surname is commonly found in Ireland and is most prevalent in County Tyrone and County Fermanagh.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Donohoe

The meaning and origin of the last name Donohoe

The surname Donohoe is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "Donnchadh," which translates to "brown warrior." The name is a combination of two elements: "donna" meaning brown and "cath" meaning battle or warrior. As a result, Donohoe conveys the meaning of a brave and strong individual who possesses a dark complexion or possibly brown hair.

The name Donohoe is predominantly found in Ireland, particularly in the counties of Leitrim, Cavan, and Longford in the province of Ulster. It is believed that the Donohoe family can trace its roots back over a millennium. The surname has various spellings, including Donoghue, Donohue, and Donoho, which have evolved over time due to the influence of different Gaelic dialects and English translations. The Donohoes were historically associated with the ruling elite, nobility, and warrior classes in ancient Ireland and contributed significantly to the culture and history of the country.

Geographical distribution of the last name Donohoe

The last name Donohoe has a primarily Irish origin and is primarily found in Ireland and the United Kingdom. In Ireland, the name is most common in the counties of Donegal, Galway, Mayo, Leitrim, and Roscommon. It is particularly prevalent in the northwest and western regions of the country. Within the United Kingdom, Donohoe can be found in England, Scotland, and Wales, although it is more concentrated in Scotland and Northern England. The migration of people with the Donohoe surname has also led to a presence in other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. In the United States, notable concentrations are in states like New York, Massachusetts, and Illinois. While the exact number of individuals with the Donohoe surname worldwide is difficult to determine, its distribution reflects historical patterns of Irish emigration and settlement in various parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Donohoe

The last name Donohoe has various spellings and variations. Common variations include Donohue, Donahue, Donohoue, Donahe, Donahow, and Dunahoo. The origin of the name can be traced back to Ireland, particularly in County Kerry and County Wexford. The name Donohoe is believed to be derived from the Gaelic name "Donnchadh," which means "brown warrior." Over time, as families migrated and surnames got anglicized, different variations emerged. The spelling change from Donnchadh to Donohoe could be attributed to pronunciation and regional dialects. Additionally, variations like Donahue and Donohoue could have developed due to the influence of different English-speaking countries, such as the United States and Canada. Despite the different spellings and variations, all these forms generally refer to individuals or families who share a common ancestry and heritage.

Famous people with the last name Donohoe

Famous people with the last name Donohoe are not as widely known as some other last names, but there are notable individuals who have left an impact in their respective fields. Damian Donohoe is a renowned Irish actor, best recognized for his roles in movies like "The League of Gentlemen" and "Les Misérables." He has also starred in popular TV shows such as "The Tudors" and "Mr. Selfridge." Another distinguished individual is Margaret Donohoe, an American historian and author recognized for her contributions to Irish American history. She has extensively written about the Irish experience in America, particularly focusing on women's history and literature. Additionally, Michael Donohoe was a notable early 20th-century American football player who played for the University of Notre Dame. His prowess on the field helped him earn All-American honors and to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1960.

Genealogical research on the last name Donohoe

The surname Donohoe is commonly of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name "Ó Donnchadha," meaning "descendant of Donnchadh." Donnchadh, in turn, is composed of the elements "donn," meaning "brown," and "cath," meaning "battle." The Donohoe clan belonged to the Uí Maine territory in present-day County Galway, Ireland. They were historically associated with Gaelic nobility and became prominent in the area during the medieval period. Over time, various branches of the clan migrated to different regions of Ireland, especially County Cavan, County Donegal, and County Leitrim. Many Irish emigrants with the surname Donohoe also settled in other parts of the world, such as the United States, Australia, and Canada. Today, the Donohoe surname remains relatively common, and individuals with this last name can trace their ancestry back to the ancient Gaelic tribes of Ireland.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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