Donnell is a name of Irish origin, derived from the ancient Gaelic name "Domhnall." This name has a rich history and significance that dates back centuries.
The name Donnell is composed of two elements: "don" which means "dark or brown," and "nell" which is a diminutive suffix meaning "devoted to" or "proud." Therefore, the name Donnell can be interpreted as "devoted to God" or "proud one."
In Irish mythology, Domhnall was a popular name among the ancient Irish kings. One of the most notable figures with this name was Domhnall Brecc, also known as Donal III, who ruled over Ireland in the 9th century. This has contributed to the enduring popularity of the name Donnell throughout Irish history.
The name Donnell has also been adopted by other cultures besides Ireland. It is often used in Scottish and English families as well, further contributing to its widespread recognition.
In literature and popular culture, several notable characters have borne the name Donnell, such as Donnell Lewis in "The Wire," a critically acclaimed television series set in Baltimore. This has helped to bring the name further into the public consciousness in recent years.
Overall, the name Donnell is one that carries a strong historical legacy and significant meaning. Its Irish origins and association with ancient kings give it a sense of timelessness and dignity, while its universal appeal across cultures makes it a popular choice for parents looking for a name with deep roots and broad appeal.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe several trends regarding the given name Donnell over time in the United States.
From the late 1920s to the mid-1940s, there was a steady but relatively low number of births for individuals named Donnell. The highest number during this period was 11 births in 1945. However, starting from the mid-1940s, we begin to see an increase in the popularity of this name.
In 1947, there were 12 births with the name Donnell, and this trend continued to rise over the next decade. By 1958, the highest number of births recorded was 30 in that year alone. This peak marks a significant increase in popularity for the name compared to previous years.
However, after reaching its peak in the late 1950s, the popularity of the name Donnell began to decline steadily over time. In the 1960s and early 1970s, there were still several years with around 20-40 births per year, but by the mid-1970s, this number started to decrease significantly.
In the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s, the name Donnell became increasingly uncommon once again, with fewer than 10 births recorded in most years. This trend has continued into recent years as well, with only five births reported for each of the years 2006, 1993, and 1991.
Overall, it appears that while Donnell was a popular name during its peak popularity in the late 1950s, it has since become much less common over time.