O'Neill Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname O'Neill come from? What does the surname O'Neill mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name O'Neill and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname O'Neill Origin: What does the last name O'Neill mean?
The surname O'Neill is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic Ó Néill, meaning "descendant of Niall." The Uí Néill dynasty, prominent in Ulster and Ireland from the 5th century to the 17th century, played a significant role in shaping Irish history. The name Niall itself means "champion" in Irish, reflecting the valor and strength associated with the family. The surname has undergone various spelling variations over the years due to the transcribing of the name into English, with the original Irish Ua Néill evolving into O'Neill.
YourRoots data indicates that the O'Neill surname has been closely associated with Ireland since the early 11th century, spreading to Scotland and other nations over time. By the 16th century, the name had gained prominence in Ireland, and by the 19th century, the United States surpassed Ireland in the number of records bearing the O'Neill surname. Today, the surname is found globally, with significant populations in the United States, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and various other countries, showcasing the widespread impact and legacy of the O'Neill family.
O'Neill Last Name History: Where did the last name O'Neill come from?
Origin of O'Neill Surname: Where does the last name O'Neill originate from?
The O'Neill surname first appeared in YourRoots data in Ireland around the early 11th century. This reflects the O'Neill name as spelled in the YourRoots database and does not take into account alternate spellings or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name O'Neill: What does the O'Neill surname history look like in the early days?
The O'Neill surname remained closely associated with Ireland from the 11th through the 15th century. According to YourRoots data, the O'Neill surname began to appear more frequently in Scotland during the 12th century. Over time, the name began to spread to other nations, indicating a global dispersion over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the O'Neill surname today?
By the 16th century, the volume of records with the O'Neill surname grew significantly in Ireland. By the 19th century, the United States had surpassed Ireland in the volume of records, a trend that continues today. The O'Neill surname is prevalent globally, with records found in countries such as the United States, Ireland, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, France, Germany, and Spain.
Explore O'Neill last name heritage and O'Neill surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With O'Neill Surame?
Ed O'Neill
Edward Leonard O'Neill (April 12, 1946 - ) is an American actor, comedian, and former football player known for his roles in iconic sitcoms like "Married... with Children" and "Modern Family." He has won multiple Screen Actors Guild Awards and received nominations for Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe Awards. O'Neill also appeared in popular films like "Wayne's World" and voiced characters in animated movies like "Wreck-It Ralph." With a career spanning decades, he has established himself as a versatile and talented performer in both television and film.
Tyler O'Neill
Tyler Alan O'Neill (June 22, 1995 - Present) is a Canadian professional baseball outfielder known for his time with the St. Louis Cardinals and Baltimore Orioles in Major League Baseball. O'Neill has represented Canada internationally, winning a gold medal at the 2015 Pan American Games. Standing at 5 feet 11 inches, he is a right-handed batter and thrower. O'Neill's career highlights include winning a Gold Glove Award in 2020 and being named the Southern League Most Valuable Player in 2016. With a strong presence in the outfield, O'Neill continues to make waves in the world of baseball.
Jennifer O'Neill
Jennifer O'Neill (February 20, 1948 - ) is a Brazilian-born American author, model, and former actress. She gained fame as a teen model and for her work with CoverGirl cosmetics. O'Neill starred in films like Summer of '42 and Scanners, and later became a born-again Christian, advocating against abortion. She authored books like Surviving Myself and founded an equine-assisted therapy foundation. O'Neill continues to appear in film and television, including roles in Doonby and I'm Not Ashamed, showcasing her diverse talents and impactful career.
Amy O'Neill
Amy Marie O'Neill (born July 8, 1971) is an American actress known for her roles in various television shows and films. She gained recognition for her portrayal of Amy Szalinski in the popular 1989 Disney film, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, for which she received a Young Artist Award nomination. O'Neill started her acting career as a child and appeared in several sitcoms before making a mark in the entertainment industry. After taking a break in the 1990s, she returned to acting in the late 2010s with appearances in short films and television episodes. O'Neill's diverse career showcases her talent and versatility in the world of entertainment.
Kel O'Neill
Kel O'Neill (born [insert birthday here]) is an American film director, artist, and actor known for his work with filmmaker Eline Jongsma as part of the duo Jongsma + O'Neill. O'Neill has appeared in various films such as "XX/XY" and "Redacted," and was initially cast in Paul Thomas Anderson's "There Will Be Blood." Together with Jongsma, he has created impactful projects like "Empire" and "The Ark," focusing on important social and environmental issues. O'Neill's innovative approach to storytelling through film has garnered critical acclaim and recognition, making him a notable figure in the world of cinema.
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