Donohoe

Donohoe is an Irish surname, a variant of Donoghue, which itself derives from the Gaelic Ó Donnchadha meaning "descendant of Donnchadh." The personal name Donnchadh is composed of the Old Irish elements donn "brown, brown-haired, or chieftain" and cath "battle." Thus, the name likely originally described a "brown warrior" or a "chieftain in battle." Donnchadh is the Gaelic form of Duncan, a name made familiar by two kings of Scotland and by Shakespeare's play Macbeth.

History and Origins

The Ó Donnchadha sept originated in County Kerry, in southwestern Ireland, where they held a family seat from ancient times. The surname was widespread in Kerry and neighboring counties, with the name becoming anglicized in various forms including Donohoe, Donoghue, Donaghoe, Donahue, and many others. Some families with these surnames are historically distinct from the Scottish Clan Robertson, known as Clann Dhònnchaidh meaning "children of Donnchadh," which is of separate origin.

Notable Bearers

Individuals with the surname Donohoe include:
• Alistair Donohoe (born 1995), Australian cyclist
• Amanda Donohoe (born 1962), English actress
• Brian Donohoe (born 1948), Scottish Member of Parliament

Variants and Related Names

Variants include Donaghoe, Donahue, Donohue, and the older form Ó Donnchadha. The Scottish form Duncan and the patronymic surname Duncanson are related.

• Meaning: "descendant of Donnchadh" (brown warrior or chieftain)
• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Type: Surname (patronymic)
• Usage regions: Ireland (especially County Kerry), also found in Irish diaspora