McConnell

McConnell is a surname of Gaelic origin, commonly found in Scotland and Ireland. It derives from Gaelic patronymics such as Mac Dhuinnchinn and Mac Dhonnchaidh, ultimately meaning “son of Connell” or “descendant of Donnell,” though exact roots can vary by region. The name has numerous spellings, including McConnell, MacConnell, Connell, and Connell, reflecting anglicization and local phonetic practices over centuries.

Historically, bearers of the name appeared in Scottish and Ulster records, associated with Gaelic clans and families. Migration from the British Isles to North America and other regions from the 18th through 20th centuries dispersed the surname widely; today McConnell is common in the United States and Canada, with notable clusters in Kentucky, Minnesota, Ontario, and neighboring areas.

Notable individuals with the surname include Mitch McConnell (born 1942), an American politician who has served as a U.S. senator from Kentucky and as Senate Republican Leader. The name is also borne by figures in sports, academia, and the arts, reflecting its broad distribution.