Summary

The surname O'Neil is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name Ó Néill, meaning 'descendant of Niall'. Niall was a popular Irish personal name, and the O'Neil clan was known for its ancient influence and dynastic power in Ireland. The surname O'Neil is associated with bravery, leadership, and resilience.
There are
28949
Oneils in the USA
Oneil is the
1220th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Oneil

ShaquilleO'Neal

Shaquille O'Neal, often referred to simply as Shaq, is a retired professional basketball player who is considered one of the greatest centers in NBA history. He played for multiple teams during his career, including the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, and Miami Heat.

RosieO'Donnell

Rosie O'Donnell is an American comedian, actress, and television personality. She rose to fame as a stand-up comedian and went on to host her own talk show, 'The Rosie O'Donnell Show.' She has also appeared in numerous films and Broadway productions.

EugeneO'Neill

Eugene O'Neill was an American playwright and Nobel laureate in Literature. He is known for his plays such as 'Long Day's Journey Into Night,' 'The Iceman Cometh,' and 'A Moon for the Misbegotten.' O'Neill is considered one of the greatest American playwrights.

EdO'Neill

Ed O'Neill is an American actor best known for his role as Al Bundy on the television sitcom 'Married... with Children.' He has also starred in the critically acclaimed series 'Modern Family' as Jay Pritchett.

ShaunO'Neale

Shaun O'Neale is an American DJ and chef who gained fame as the winner of the 7th season of 'MasterChef.' He is known for infusing his culinary creations with his passion for music.

TomO'Neill

Tom O'Neill is an investigative journalist and the author of the book 'Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties.' In his book, O'Neill explores the conspiracy theories surrounding the Manson Family murders.

KarenO'Neill

Karen O'Neill is a sociologist and author known for her research on human-environment interactions, environmental justice, and urban sustainability. She has published extensively on these topics and is considered a leading expert in her field.

DanO'Neill

Dan O'Neill is an American cartoonist and writer known for his comic strip 'Odd Bodkins,' which ran from 1964 to 1977. His work often featured psychedelic and surreal elements.

AnnetteO'Toole

Annette O'Toole is an American actress and singer. She is known for her roles in films such as '48 Hrs.' and 'Superman III,' as well as for her portrayal of Martha Kent on the television series 'Smallville.'

RyanO'Neal

Ryan O'Neal is an American actor known for his roles in films such as 'Love Story,' 'Paper Moon,' and 'Barry Lyndon.' He has also appeared in various television shows, including 'Peyton Place' and 'Bones.'

Oneil Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Oneil' is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name 'Ó Néill,' which means 'descendant of Niall.' The Ó Néill clan was one of the most powerful and influential families in Irish history, with several members serving as High Kings of Ireland.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Oneil' is commonly found in Ireland, particularly in the provinces of Ulster and Leinster. It is also found in smaller numbers in other parts of the world with Irish diaspora, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Oneil' include 'O'Neill,' 'O'Neal,' 'O'Neil,' 'O'Niel,' 'O'Neale,' 'Neill,' 'Neal,' 'Neale,' 'Neil,' and 'Niel.' These variations can be attributed to different anglicizations of the original Gaelic name.
Migration and ImmigrationThe migration and immigration of people with the surname 'Oneil' can be traced back to periods of Irish emigration. Many Irish people, including those with the surname 'Oneil,' emigrated to countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia during the Great Famine of the mid-19th century.