Ó Domhnalláin

Rev Patrick Woulfe

Irish Names and Surnames

1923

Ó DOMHNALLÁIN—I—O Donellane, O Donnellan, Donelan, Donnellan, Donlan, &c.; 'descendant of Domhnallán' (diminutive of Domhnall). The principal family of this name is that of Ui Maine, in the present Co. Galway. The head of this family, which is of the same stock as the O'Kellys, was chief of Clann Bhreasail, a district lying between Ballinasloe and Loughrea, and had his residence at Ballydonnellan. This family produced some poets who are referred to in the Annals. Another family of the name, a branch of the Oirghialla, were anciently lords of Ui Tuirtre, comprising the modern baronies of Upper and Lower Toome, in Co. Antrim. There was also a Brehon family of the name in Offaly, and the name was not uncommon in that and the neighbouring districts of Leinster at the end of the 16th century. A family of the name is also mentioned as anciently chiefs of Teallach Ainbhith in Tyrone. Most of the Donnellans in Ireland at present belong to the Ui Maine family.

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