O’ Connell

Gaelic: Ó Conaill

Variants: Connell, Gunning

Motto: Ciall Agus Neart
“Reason and power.”

Name Meaning: Powerful or Hound

Famous O’Connells:
Jerry O’Connell – actor (Stand By Me)
Helen O’Connell – Actress, dancer and singer (with the Jimmy Dorsey Band)
Mike O’Connell – Hockey player and coach (Boston Bruins)

The O’Connells originate from the Irish name Ó Conaill, which arose in Connacht, Munster and Ulster. The O’Connell name dates back to Eremonium Aengus Turineach, a High King of Ireland around 180 B.C. The name now ranks as the 25th most numerous name in Ireland, with the greatest numbers in Munster and a strong presence in Counties Cork and Kerry.

 

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