Meaning & History
Donalds is an English surname derived from the given name Donald. The name Donald originates from the Scottish Gaelic Dòmhnall, meaning "ruler of the world," composed of the Old Irish elements domun ("world") and fal ("rule"). This given name has deep historical roots, borne by two 9th-century kings of the Scots and Picts, and became widely popular in Scotland and later across the English-speaking world during the 20th century.
Etymology and History
The surname Donalds is a patronymic form, essentially meaning "son of Donald" or serving as a variant of the more common surname Donaldson. While not as prevalent as its cognates, Donalds exemplifies the Scottish and Irish onomastic tradition of creating surnames from personal names. Related surnames in other cultures include the Irish O'Donnell and Scottish McConnell, all ultimately stemming from the same root.
Notable Bearers
As a rare surname, Donalds does not boast widely known figures. However, the given name Donald has been borne by notable personalities such as Australian cricket player Donald Bradman (1908–2001) and American president Donald Trump (born 1946), as well as the iconic cartoon character Donald Duck. Those bearing the surname Donalds are part of a broader family of names connecting to these individuals.
- Meaning: "son of Donald"
- Origin: Scottish/English patronymic
- Type: Surname
- Usage regions: English-speaking world
Related Names
Sources: Wiktionary — Donalds