UK surname
An Anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic name Ó Conaill meaning descendant of Conall.
In the 1881 census there were 555 people recorded with the Connely surname, ranking it #6,219 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 76, ranked #33,304, down from #6,219 in 1881.
The strongest historical links point to Bothwell, Govan Combination and Edinburgh. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include No data.
Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Connely is 555 in 1881. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 86.3%.
1881 census count
555
Ranked #6,219
Modern count
76
2016, ranked #33,304
Peak year
1881
555 bearers
Map years
6
1851 to 1911
Key insights
Map
Back to topThe map shows where the Connely surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.
Distribution map
Connely surname density by area, 1881 census.
Timeline
Back to topThe table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.
| Year | Period | Count | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1851 | historical | 325 | #7,157 |
| 1861 | historical | 419 | #6,133 |
| 1881 | historical | 555 | #6,219 |
| 1891 | historical | 329 | #10,320 |
| 1901 | historical | 214 | #14,517 |
| 1911 | historical | 125 | #19,932 |
| 1997 | modern | 69 | #30,712 |
| 1998 | modern | 67 | #31,282 |
| 1999 | modern | 61 | #31,971 |
| 2000 | modern | 61 | #32,039 |
| 2001 | modern | 61 | #31,891 |
| 2002 | modern | 56 | #32,753 |
| 2003 | modern | 47 | #33,619 |
| 2004 | modern | 54 | #33,248 |
| 2005 | modern | 52 | #33,619 |
| 2006 | modern | 56 | #33,587 |
| 2007 | modern | 63 | #33,243 |
| 2008 | modern | 73 | #32,555 |
| 2009 | modern | 81 | #32,172 |
| 2010 | modern | 82 | #32,492 |
| 2011 | modern | 77 | #32,909 |
| 2012 | modern | 69 | #33,695 |
| 2013 | modern | 74 | #33,483 |
| 2014 | modern | 73 | #33,587 |
| 2015 | modern | 75 | #33,425 |
| 2016 | modern | 76 | #33,304 |
Geography
Back to topHistorical parish links are strongest around Bothwell, Govan Combination, Edinburgh, Dundee, Liff, Benvie and Invergowry and Manchester. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.
The modern local-area list points to No data. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.
| Rank | Parish | Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bothwell | Lanark |
| 2 | Govan Combination | Lanark |
| 3 | Edinburgh | Edinburgh |
| 4 | Dundee, Liff, Benvie and Invergowry | Forfar |
| 5 | Manchester | Lancashire |
| Rank | Area | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | No data | No data |
Forenames
Back to topThese lists show first names that appear often with the Connely surname in historical and recent records.
Recent female names
Recent male names
Modern profile
Back to topModern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Connely, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.
These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.
The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.
UK neighbourhood type
Supergroup
No data
Group
No data
Nationally, the Connely surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as No data, within No data. This does not mean every Connely household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.
London neighbourhood type
Supergroup
No data
Group
No data
Within London, Connely is most associated with areas classed as No data, part of No data. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.
Broadband speed
The modern neighbourhood pattern for Connely is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of No data.
Area snapshot
This describes the area pattern most associated with Connely, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.
Origin
Back to topThe surname Connely has its origins in Ireland, dating back to the 12th century. It is an Anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic name "O'Conghalaigh," which means "descendant of Conghalach." Conghalach is a personal name derived from the words "con" meaning hound and "gal" meaning valor, signifying "valorous hound."
The Connely family was originally based in County Sligo, situated in the northwestern region of Ireland. The name is also found in various spellings such as Connolly, Connally, Connelie, and Connally, reflecting the phonetic variations common in the translation of Irish names to English.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Connely can be found in the Annals of the Four Masters, a chronicle of medieval Irish history compiled in the early 17th century. This text mentions several Connely clan members who held positions of leadership and influence in the region.
In the 14th century, a notable figure named Seán Connely was a prominent member of the Irish parliament, representing County Sligo. He played a significant role in negotiating treaties between the English Crown and the Irish chieftains during this turbulent period.
During the 16th century, the Connely family was heavily involved in the Irish Confederate Wars, supporting the cause of Irish independence against English rule. Patrick Connely, born in 1578, was a renowned military leader who commanded a regiment of Irish soldiers in several battles.
In the late 18th century, a prominent author and poet named James Connely was born in County Sligo. His works, which celebrated Irish culture and mythology, gained widespread recognition and influenced the literary landscape of the time.
Another notable figure was Mary Connely, born in 1815, who was a pioneering educator and advocate for women's rights. She established several schools in Ireland and campaigned tirelessly for equal educational opportunities for girls.
The surname Connely has also been associated with various place names across Ireland, such as Connely's Cross in County Sligo, reflecting the geographical origins and influence of the family.
Throughout history, the Connely surname has been carried by individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields, from politics and literature to education and military service. Their legacy continues to be woven into the rich tapestry of Irish heritage.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
1881 census detail
Back to topThese tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Connely surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.
Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Lanarkshire leads with 136 Connelys recorded in 1881 and an index of 7.81x.
| County | Total | Index |
|---|---|---|
| Lanarkshire | 136 | 7.81x |
| Lancashire | 72 | 1.13x |
| Durham | 61 | 3.81x |
| Ayrshire | 47 | 11.66x |
| Angus | 35 | 7.02x |
| Northumberland | 32 | 3.99x |
| Perthshire | 20 | 8.28x |
| Yorkshire | 20 | 0.37x |
| Kent | 17 | 0.93x |
| Staffordshire | 13 | 0.72x |
| Middlesex | 12 | 0.22x |
| Renfrewshire | 12 | 2.88x |
| Dunbartonshire | 11 | 7.60x |
| Midlothian | 8 | 1.11x |
| Surrey | 8 | 0.30x |
| West Lothian | 8 | 9.87x |
| Devon | 7 | 0.62x |
| Argyllshire | 6 | 4.00x |
| Kirkcudbrightshire | 4 | 5.13x |
| Morayshire | 4 | 4.78x |
| Aberdeenshire | 3 | 0.60x |
| Fife | 3 | 0.94x |
| Leicestershire | 3 | 0.50x |
| East Lothian | 2 | 2.80x |
| Lincolnshire | 2 | 0.23x |
| Cheshire | 1 | 0.08x |
| Cumberland | 1 | 0.22x |
| Dumfriesshire | 1 | 0.84x |
| Glamorgan | 1 | 0.11x |
| Hampshire | 1 | 0.09x |
| Shropshire | 1 | 0.22x |
Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Glasgow in Lanarkshire leads with 35 Connelys recorded in 1881 and an index of 11.32x.
These are the female first names most often recorded with the Connely surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
| Name | Count |
|---|---|
| Mary | 30 |
| Elizabeth | 11 |
| Margaret | 8 |
| Ann | 7 |
| Ellen | 6 |
| Annie | 5 |
| Bridget | 5 |
| Catherine | 5 |
| Sarah | 5 |
| Frances | 4 |
| Eliza | 3 |
| Emily | 3 |
| Harriet | 3 |
| Jane | 3 |
| Rebecca | 3 |
| Anne | 2 |
| Agnes | 1 |
| Alice | 1 |
| Amelia | 1 |
| Bartain | 1 |
| Emma | 1 |
| Florence | 1 |
| Fullim | 1 |
| Hannah | 1 |
| Helen | 1 |
| Janet | 1 |
| Julia | 1 |
| Lilian | 1 |
| Lizzie | 1 |
| Louisa | 1 |
| Marget | 1 |
| Marie | 1 |
| Melia | 1 |
| Mercy | 1 |
| Merletta | 1 |
| Norah | 1 |
| Racheal | 1 |
| Susanah | 1 |
These are the male first names most often recorded with the Connely surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
| Name | Count |
|---|---|
| James | 17 |
| John | 15 |
| Thomas | 15 |
| Patrick | 12 |
| William | 8 |
| Edward | 6 |
| Michael | 3 |
| Robert | 3 |
| Daniel | 2 |
| Eugen | 2 |
| Francis | 2 |
| George | 2 |
| Laurance | 2 |
| Paul | 2 |
| Peter | 2 |
| Richard | 2 |
| Walter | 2 |
| Arthur | 1 |
| Charles | 1 |
| Chas. | 1 |
| Colman | 1 |
| Cornelius | 1 |
| Dennes | 1 |
| Esthell | 1 |
| Ethelead | 1 |
| Feestus | 1 |
| Ferdinand | 1 |
| Fred | 1 |
| Frederick | 1 |
| Hugh | 1 |
| Jack | 1 |
| Joshua | 1 |
| Lewis | 1 |
| M. | 1 |
| Martin | 1 |
| Michel | 1 |
| Michl. | 1 |
| Oliver | 1 |
| Owen | 1 |
| Partrick | 1 |
| Patric | 1 |
| Samuel | 1 |
| Silas | 1 |
| Thos. | 1 |
| Timothy | 1 |
Occupational titles are kept as recorded and later transcribed, so related jobs, spelling variants and mistakes stay separate. Scholar was the census term for a child in education. That means the other rows often tell you more about adult work in Connely households.
| Occupation | Count |
|---|---|
| Scholar | 46 |
| Labourer | 8 |
| Coal Miner | 6 |
| General Labourer | 4 |
| Tailor | 4 |
| Bricklayers Labourer | 3 |
| General Servant | 3 |
| Collier | 2 |
| Cotton Piecer Factory Operative | 2 |
| Dressmaker | 2 |
| Errand Boy | 2 |
| Housekeeper | 2 |
| Labr | 2 |
| Laundress | 2 |
| Wool Spinner | 2 |
| Alkili Works | 1 |
| Apprentice (...) | 1 |
| Assistant | 1 |
| Barmaid | 1 |
| Barman | 1 |
| Boot Rivetter | 1 |
| Buckle Maker | 1 |
| Butcher | 1 |
| Cardroom In Mill | 1 |
| Cloth Sorter | 1 |
| Coal Miner Wife | 1 |
| Cotton Doubler | 1 |
| Cotton Doubler Gasser | 1 |
| Cotton Mill Hand | 1 |
| Cotton Spinner | 1 |
| Cotton Weaver | 1 |
| Dock Labourer | 1 |
| Domestic Servant | 1 |
| Driller At Shipyard (Shipbuilder) | 1 |
| Fireman Glass Works | 1 |
| Fish & Game Dealer | 1 |
| Fish Hawker | 1 |
| Flagmaker | 1 |
| Flax Carder | 1 |
| Fruit Hawker | 1 |
| Furnaceman Labourer (Ship) | 1 |
| Gas Stoker | 1 |
| Gen Lab | 1 |
| Gen Labourer | 1 |
| General Lab | 1 |
| General Serv (Domestic) | 1 |
| Genl Laborer | 1 |
| Harness Stitcher | 1 |
| Hawker | 1 |
| Worsted Weaver | 1 |
FAQ
In 1881, 555 people were recorded with the Connely surname. That placed it at #6,219 in the surname rankings for that year.
The latest modern count shown here is 76 in 2016. That gives Connely a modern rank of #33,304.
An Anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic name Ó Conaill meaning descendant of Conall.
The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Connely bearers relative to the surrounding population.
The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.