Donald is a masculine given name derived from the Gaelic name Dòmhnall. This comes from the Proto-Celtic *Dumno-ualos ("world-ruler" or "world-wielder"). The final -d in Donald is partly derived from a misinterpretation of the Gaelic pronunciation by English speakers, and partly associated with the spelling of similar-sounding Germanic names, such as Ronald. A short form of Donald is Don. Pet forms of Donald include Donnie and Donny. The feminine given name Donella is derived from Donald. Donald has cognates in other Celtic languages: Modern Irish Dónal (anglicised as Donal and Donall); Scottish Gaelic Dòmhnall, Domhnull and Dòmhnull; Welsh Dyfnwal and Cumbric Dumnagual. Although the feminine given name Donna is sometimes used as a feminine form of Donald, the names are not etymologically related. Variations Kings and noblemen Domnall or Domhnall is the name of many ancient and medieval Gaelic kings and noblemen: Dyfnwal Hen (Dumnagual I), Ruler of Alt Clut (Strathclyde) (450–475) Domnall Brecc, king of Dál Riata (d. 642) Domnall mac Áedo, High King of the Northern Uí Néill and Ireland (d. 642) Domnall Midi, High King of Clann Cholmáin and Ireland (d. 763) Domnall mac Ailpín (812–863) Donald II of Scotland (889–900) Domnall mac Eimín, Mormaer of Mar (d. 1014) Donald III of Scotland (1033–1099) Domnall Gerrlámhach, King of Dublin (d. 1135) Domnall Ua Lochlainn, High King of Ireland (1083 and 1121) Domhnall I, Earl of Mar (1276–1301) Domhnall II, Earl of Mar (1305–1332) Domhnall, Earl of Lennox (1333–1365) Dyfnwal, King of Strathclyde (d. 908×915), also known by the names Donald, Domhnall, and Domnall Dyfnwal ab Owain (d. 975), also known by the names Donald and Domnall Owain ap Dyfnwal (fl. 934) Given name Domhnall Domhnall mac Conchobair Ó Briain (died 1579), Gaelic Irish military leader Domhnall Gleeson (born 1983), Irish actor Domhnall mac Dáire Mac Bruaideadha (fl. c. 1600), Irish poet Domhnall MacAuley (born 1957), Scottish physician and professor Dòmhnall Ruadh Chorùna (1887–1967), Scottish Gaelic poet Donnell Donnell Ballagh O'Cahan (died 1627), Irish landowner and rebel Donnell Rawlings (born 1968), comedian Don Don Adams (1923–2005), American actor, comedian and director Don Airey (born 1948), English keyboardist Don Ameche (1908–1993), Hollywood actor Don Barksdale (1923–1993), American basketball player Don Bertoia, Canadian middle-distance runner Don Bluth (born 1937), animator, film director, producer, writer, production designer, video game designer and independent studio owner Don Bowman (singer) (1937–2013), American comedian, country music singer, and songwriter Don Cheadle (born 1964), American actor