Any way to know which family your Connolly last name originates?

[mpádraig]

After searching the Wikipedia for the last name Connolly, it said that there are 5 unrelated families where the anglicized version of Connolly comes from:
Ó Conghalaigh of Iar Connacht (now County Galway);
Ó Coingheallaigh in the Kingdom of Desmond (now west County Cork);
Ó Conghalaigh of Derrygonnelly, Fear Manach (now County Fermanagh);
Ó Conghalaigh of Airgíalla (now County Monaghan and/or County Meath);
Ó Conghaile Muirthemne from County Louth.

Is there any way to know which one my name could come from? As far as I know, no one is from any of those parts exactly, however; my close relatives (20th century) are from Ulster so it could be the last three families. Also, according to my ancestry DNA (not perfect I know), I got marked for strong DNA in Munster, so that could possibly be the second name.

Let me know if there is any more research I could do. I got some good help when I asked a question more than a year ago. I hit a roadblock in the mid-1800s of my Irish/namesake side. I hope everyone is doing well.

Cheers--

[TunjiLees]

In your case I would suggest a Y-DNA test. You may find matches that help you answer that question.

[Maggsie]

Hi,
Work backwards from you.
Trace each Connolly line back.  You will use several sites but you can do it.
May take a while.
I traced mine back without DNA (wasn't used when I did mine!)
Maggsie

[mpádraig]

In your case I would suggest a Y-DNA test. You may find matches that help you answer that question.

Hey thanks for letting me know. I have heard about that, and it sounds interesting. When you mean matches do you mean like other people who have taken the test that match with my dna like ancestryDNA relatives? What kind of information do those tests give you? I was thinking about the familytreedna test

[mpádraig]

Hi,
Work backwards from you.
Trace each Connolly line back.  You will use several sites but you can do it.
May take a while.
I traced mine back without DNA (wasn't used when I did mine!)
Maggsie

Hey Maggsie, that's what I have been trying to do, but I've hit a roadblock. I have only been able to get to the early 19th century with the Connolly's. They were from Cavan so it's possible the records got lost in a fire, but I won't give up hope and will keep trying!

[Sinann]

Most can't get earlier than the early 1800s because there are no earlier records particularly if they were RC. If the records survive than COI can get earlier.

[mpádraig]

Most can't get earlier than the early 1800s because there are no earlier records particularly if they were RC. If the records survive than COI can get earlier.

Of course by my luck they're RC 

[Ruskie]

A DNA test might help you, but may also just lead you to people who live in various parts of the world who know nothing more than you do about your family origins.

Most people test with Ancestry then upload their raw data to other sites in the hope that they might find matches who have tested with other companies.

A DNA test is a worthwhile investment but don’t be disappointed if you don’t find what you are looking for. If the paper trail doesn’t exist none of your matches will have one either.

You might be lucky to find a match who still lives in the part of the world where your ancestors hailed from - and the hope is that they may have family stories or other documentation to help you.

You have nothing to lose. Look out for sales which can save you a few dollars/pounds. All of the DNA companies have them periodically.

Good luck.

[mpádraig]

A DNA test might help you, but may also just lead you to people who live in various parts of the world who know nothing more than you do about your family origins.

Most people test with Ancestry then upload their raw data to other sites in the hope that they might find matches who have tested with other companies.

A DNA test is a worthwhile investment but don’t be disappointed if you don’t find what you are looking for. If the paper trail doesn’t exist none of your matches will have one either.

You might be lucky to find a match who still lives in the part of the world where your ancestors hailed from - and the hope is that they may have family stories or other documentation to help you.

You have nothing to lose. Look out for sales which can save you a few dollars/pounds. All of the DNA companies have them periodically.

Good luck.

You're right, nothing to lose. I'm going for it!