Derived from the Gaelic: MacDohomhnuill - "son of Donald" - (world ruler). Angus Mor MacDonald, son of Donald MacRanald MacSomerled, was first of the name. Originally the title of the Lords of the Isles, in the 16th century it started being used as a last name by those who could claim to be a "son of Donald".

The MacDonnell & MacConnell spellings are mostly found in Clan Donald South, while MacDonell is mainly Glenngarry, but more anciently Keppoch.

The MacDaniel derivations are not territorial but are simply due to "free" spelling by clerks, census takers, ships captains, etc., particularly in the American South.

There is absolutely no difference in Mac, Mac or even M', and any of these spellings, even with a big D or a little d, may be found today in any of our main branches.

Clan Donald is known as the  Oldest, Largest and most Powerful Clan in the highlands dating back for more than 800 years. All of who are very proud of their name.                      Some ask why Clan Donald is not known as Clan MacDonald? Clan Donald is the ancient Celtic way of referring to the extended family of those with a common ancestor.                   Clan meaning family or children in Gaelic. Mac or Mc meaning  Son of.

Clan Donald can claim to have played a much larger part in the history of Scotland than any other clan . We are also the only Clan to have a High Chief in his own right.                            
Clan Donald was once users of the West coast and found their way to Skye where they became Lords of the Isles.

There are several other examples of the Lords of Isles and their kin referring to themselves as Clan Colla. The founders of the modern family of Clan Donald combined the ancient Celtic form while honoring Donald of the Isles, our common ancestor.

For the many different spellings and associated Septs or Branches of Clan Donald family names please go to our link " Clan Donald Family Names"

We also are able to claim as Clan some Famous names:

                      MOTHER MARY MacKILLOP

Mary Helen MacKillop was born of Scottish parents on              15th January 1842. Her father Alexander and mother               Flora (nee MacDonald) left the Highlands in 1840 and          settled in Melbourne, Australia.
Mary dedicated her life to God and his work. Together             with Fr. Julian Tenison Woods founded  the Sisters of                Joseph of the Sacred Heart.
Mother Mary MacKillop died on 8th August 1909 in N.S.W.

Mary was Beatified by Pope John Paul II on the 19th                 January 1995.
                    
                     FLORA MacDONALD

Flora MacDonald was born in 1725. Known as a Highland Royalist she became  well known in Scottish history.
Remembered for helping Bonnie Prince Charlie flee to Skye,      after the Jacobite Uprising at the Battle of Culloden on 27th    June 1746. Then sailing back to France.

Flora was arrested and imprisoned in Dunstaffnage Castle   before spending some time in the Tower of London. She           was released in 1747 under a general amnesty.
   Flora later married Allan MacDonald of Kingsburgh, a kinsman in 1750. She and her husband lived on Skye.
In 1790 Flora died at Kingsbury on Skye. Strangely enough    she passed away in the same bed in which Bonnie Prince        Charlie had slept.

GEORGE MacDONALD    1824-1905

Author..influencer of C.S Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien

RAMSAY MacDONALD   1866-1937

British Prime Minister.

Sir John Alexander MacDonald  1815-1891

First Prime Minister of Canada.