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
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME O'NEILL
Famous People With O'Neill Surame?
Ed O'Neill
Edward Leonard O'Neill (born Apr 12, 1946) is an American actor known for his roles as Al Bundy in "Married... with Children" and Jay Pritchett in "Modern Family." With multiple awards and nominations, O'Neill has also appeared in films like "Wayne's World" and voiced characters in "Wreck-It Ralph" and "Finding Dory."
Jennifer O'Neill
Jennifer O'Neill (Feb 20, 1948) is a Brazilian-born American author, model, and former actress. She rose to fame as a teen model and starred in films like "Summer of '42" and "Scanners." O'Neill later became a born-again Christian, advocating for anti-abortion causes and founding a therapy foundation for war veterans.
Amy O'Neill
Amy Lynne O'Neill is an American actress known for her role as high-schooler Amy Szalinski in the 1989 Disney film, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. She started her career as a child actress in the 1980s and later joined a circus-style entertainment troupe before returning to acting in the late 2010s.
Kel O'Neill
Kel O’Neill is an American film director, artist, and actor. He co-founded Jongsma + O’Neill and has worked on projects like "Empire" and "The Ark." O’Neill's diverse career includes acting in films like "There Will Be Blood" and creating VR documentaries. He continues to push boundaries in the film industry.
Rory O'Neill
Rory O'Neill (born Nov 16, 1968) is an Irish drag queen, gay rights activist, and prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community. Known by stage names Panti and Pandora Panti Bliss, he has hosted Dublin Pride, performed with Cyndi Lauper, and gave the iconic "Noble Call Speech" at the Abbey Theatre.
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