Macdonnell

MacDonnell is a surname of Scottish origin. It is a spelling variant of MacDonald, derived from the Gaelic Mac Dhòmhnaill or MacDhòmhnaill, meaning “son of Domhnall” (Donald). The name spread with Scottish and Irish diaspora and has many spellings, including MacDonell, MacDonnell, and McDonnell. As a place name, it appears in several countries influenced by British settlement, reflecting historical migration and naming practices.

Geography and places commonly associated with the name include the MacDonnell Ranges in Australia. Located in the Northern Territory, the MacDonnell Ranges run roughly east to west near Alice Springs and are a major geographical feature of central Australia. The ranges are often discussed in terms of their eastern and western segments, known respectively as the East MacDonnell Ranges and the West MacDonnell Ranges. They contain a series of gorges, watercourses, and scenic areas that support diverse flora and fauna and are popular for tourism and outdoor recreation. The name is understood to derive from a person bearing the MacDonnell surname, reflecting historical exploration and settlement in the region.

Other uses of MacDonnell appear in historical and topographical contexts within former British territories, where surnames frequently became place names or administrative designations. The name continues to be encountered in genealogical, cultural, and geographic discussions related to Scottish and Irish heritage and their global legacies.