Donohue

Donohue is an Irish surname, a variant of Donoghue. Both names originate from the Gaelic Ó Donnchadha, meaning “descendant of Donnchadh.” Donnchadh itself is the Irish and Scottish Gaelic form of Duncan, which derives from Old Irish elements donn “brown” and cath “battle.” The root name Duncan was borne by two kings of Scotland, including the one immortalized in Shakespeare’s play Macbeth (1606).

The surname Donohue is widespread in Ireland, particularly in counties Cork and Kerry, reflecting the historical strength of the Uí Donnchadha sept of the Eóganachta dynasty. Variants include Donaghue, Donoghue, Donohoe, and the original Gaelic Ó Donnchadha. Related Scottish surnames such as Duncan and the patronymic Duncanson share the same root.

Notable Bearers

Several notable individuals have borne the surname Donohue, spanning diverse fields:

• Mark Donohue (1937–1975), American race car driver who won the 1972 Indianapolis 500 and was a key figure in the Penske Racing team.
• David Donohue (born 1967), American race car driver and son of Mark Donohue, successful in sports car racing.
• Jerry Donohue (1920–1985), American theoretical and physical chemist who advised Watson and Crick on hydrogen bonding for the double helix model of DNA.
• Jack Donohue (disambiguation), several individuals, including Jack Donohue (basketball coach) who led the Canadian men's national team and later the Loyola Marymount Lions.
• Kether Donohue (born 1985), American actress known for roles in Pitch Perfect and the TV series You’re the Worst.
• Charles D. Donohue (1880–1928), New York politician and judge.
• Harold Donohue (1901–1984), U.S. Representative from Massachusetts.
• Erin Donohue (born 1983), American middle-distance runner who competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics.
• Adam Donohue (born 1990), Australian rules footballer for the Greater Western Sydney Giants.

Summary

• Meaning: Descendant of Donnchadh (brown warrior)
• Origin: Irish
• Type: Surname
• Regions: Ireland (especially Munster), also Scottish via related names