MacDonells

MacDonells is a Scottish surname and clan designation. It derives from the Gaelic Mac Dhòmhnaill, meaning “son of Domhnall (Donald).” Anglicised spellings include MacDonnell, MacDonell, and MacDonnell, among others.

MacDonells are a branch of Clan Donald, one of the largest Highland clans. The two principal cadet branches are the MacDonell of Glengarry and the MacDonell of Keppoch, historically based in the western Highlands. As a patrilineal line within Clan Donald, the MacDonells held lands and local authority in their territories for centuries.

In the late medieval and early modern periods the MacDonell chiefs played a prominent role in Highland politics and warfare. Like other Highland branches, some MacDonell lines supported the Stuart cause during the Jacobite risings of the 17th and 18th centuries; the 1745 uprising led to forfeitures and reshaping of landholding patterns, affecting many MacDonell estates.

Today the surname MacDonell and its variants are found throughout Scotland and in the global Scottish diaspora. Concentrations occur in Canada, particularly in Nova Scotia and Cape Breton, as well as in the United States, Australia, and elsewhere. Clan MacDonell societies and genealogical groups preserve the history and heritage of the MacDonell lines, with emphasis on the Glengarry and Keppoch branches.