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Donnell

Boy

Meaning of Donnell: Irish: 'world-ruler'

Donnell is a boy's name most strongly associated with Irish naming. It has 7 letters and 2 syllables, and it is a genuinely rare and unique choice — 3933rd most popular boys' name in the United States in 2025.

US rank 2025

#3933

26 babies in 2025

England & Wales 2024

—

Fewer than 3 babies or unlisted

US babies since 1880

15,305

First recorded 1912 · peak 1970

Trend

falling

Style: rare

Popularity over time

1981: 278 babies1982: 305 babies1983: 231 babies1984: 278 babies1985: 229 babies1986: 217 babies1987: 227 babies1988: 239 babies1989: 255 babies1990: 246 babies19901991: 212 babies1992: 203 babies1993: 200 babies1994: 197 babies1995: 171 babies1996: 165 babies1997: 159 babies1998: 131 babies1999: 135 babies2000: 149 babies20002001: 155 babies2002: 123 babies2003: 107 babies2004: 134 babies2005: 110 babies2006: 144 babies2007: 135 babies2008: 125 babies2009: 79 babies2010: 105 babies20102011: 75 babies2012: 88 babies2013: 82 babies2014: 89 babies2015: 78 babies2016: 75 babies2017: 51 babies2018: 60 babies2019: 34 babies2020: 46 babies20202021: 29 babies2022: 32 babies2023: 23 babies2024: 22 babies2025: 26 babies
US babies named Donnell per year (Social Security Administration). Peak bar = 305.

Gender split

93% boys · 7% girls, based on US, UK and international usage.

Origins & cultures

More Irish boys' names

Other names starting with D