Many variations of the name Donnellant have evolved since the time of its initial creation. In Gaelic it appeared as O Domhnallain, derived from the personal name
of Domhallan, Lord of Clan
Breasail, from whom the sept claims descent.
Early Origins of the Donnellant family
The surname Donnellant was first found in Galway
(Irish: Gaillimh) part of the province of Connacht
, located on the west coast of the Island, where they held a family seat
from ancient times.
Early History of the Donnellant family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Donnellant research.Another 319 words (23 lines of text) covering the years 1609, 1649, 1705, 1616, 1640, 1588, 1665 and 1660 are included under the topic Early Donnellant History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Donnellant Spelling Variations
People who were accounted for by scribes and church officials often had their name recorded many different ways because pronunciation was the only guide those scribes and church officials had to go by. This resulted in the problem of one person's name being recorded under several different variations, creating the illusion of more than one person. Among the many spelling variations
of the surname Donnellant that are preserved in archival documents are Donellan, Donnellan, Donnelan, Donelan, Donnellin, Donellin and many more.
Early Notables of the Donnellant family (pre 1700)
Prominent amongst the family at this time was Reverend Nehemiah Donellan (d. 1609), Archbishop of Tuam, who translated the New Testament into Irish. His first son was Nehemiah Donnellan (1649-1705), an Irish lawyer and judge and... Another 35 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Donnellant Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Donnellant family to the New World and Oceana
A great mass of Ireland's native population left the island in the 19th century, seeking relief from various forms of social, religious, and economic discrimination. This Irish exodus was primarily to North America. If the migrants survived the long ocean journey, many unfortunately would find more discrimination in the colonies of British North America and the fledgling United States of America. These newly arrived Irish were, however, wanted as a cheap source of labor for the many large agricultural and industrial projects that were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest nations in the western world. Early immigration and passenger lists indicate many people bearing the Donnellant name: Patrick Donellen arrived in Philadelphia in 1860; Mary Donellin settled in Virginia in 1655; Catherine Donnellan settled in Quebec in 1848.
The Donnellant Motto
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: Omni violentia major
Motto Translation: Too strong for any violence.