Donahue

boyIrish

Donahue is an boy name of Irish origin, meaning “Descendant of Donnchadh, brown warrior”.

MeaningDescendant of Donnchadh, brown warrior
GenderBoy
OriginIrish
PronunciationDUN-uh-hyoo
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inIreland, United States

Meaning and origin of Donahue

Donahue is an anglicised form of the Irish surname Ó Donnchadha, 'descendant of Donnchadh'. The personal name Donnchadh is usually explained as donn 'brown, dark' plus cath 'battle', giving 'brown warrior', and it is also the source of the Scottish name Duncan. Donnchadh mac Briain, a son of Brian Boru, was a well-known early bearer. It is mainly a surname and rarely used as a first name.

Is Donahue a religious name?

Donahue is an Irish surname without religious significance.

How popular is Donahue?

Common as an Irish and Irish-American surname; very rare as a first name.

Gifts with the name Donahue

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a small commission from these links, at no extra cost to you.

Spellings and variants of Donahue

DonoghueDonohoeO'Donoghue

Names similar to Donahue

More boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Donahue mean?

Donahue means 'Descendant of Donnchadh, brown warrior'. It is of Irish origin.

Does Donahue have a religious meaning?

Donahue is an Irish surname without religious significance.

How do you pronounce Donahue?

Donahue is pronounced DUN-uh-hyoo.

Is Donahue a boy or girl name?

Donahue is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.