Donohue

Donohue is a surname of Irish origin. It is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Ó Donnchadha or Ó Donncha, meaning “descendant of Donnchadh,” with Donnchadh commonly interpreted as “brown warrior” or “chieftain.” The name reflects the Gaelic patronymic tradition from which many Irish family names derive.

The spelling of Donohue has varied over time due to Anglicization and regional pronunciation, resulting in several related surnames. Common variants include Donoghue and Donahue, among others, all tracing back to the same Gaelic roots.

Today, the Donohue surname is found primarily in Ireland and in communities of the Irish diaspora. It is widely represented in countries with large Irish populations, such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. Distribution and spelling can differ by family history and region within Ireland and abroad.

As with many Irish surnames, Donohue appears in historical records, civil registries, parish documents, and immigration files. Genealogical research, including traditional documentation and modern DNA analysis, is often used to trace lineage and connections among families bearing the name. The surname continues to be carried by individuals across various fields, including education, public service, and the arts, reflecting its longstanding presence in Irish and global communities.