O'Neill (also spelled O'Neil) is a common surname of Irish origin.

Its original Irish form is Ó Néill or Ua Néill, meaning 'grandson of Niall'. The dynastic term, Uí Néill, was derived from Niall Noigíallach who died about 450. The surname Ó Néill was taken from a descendant of his, Niall Glundubh of the Uí Néill, who was killed fighting the Danes in 919. Glundubh's grandchild and great-grandchildren would have being the first to use the surname.

In past usage, it refers to an Irish kinship group based in Ulster, descended from a family from which a number of High Kings of Ireland sprang in medieval times. The progenitor of the dynasty was Niall of the Nine Hostages (Niall Noigiallach), said to be High King and died c.450. The O'Neill was the traditional title of the head of this family, and during early English rule the holder of this title was considered by many to be the rightful High King of Ireland.

O'Neill Dynasty Today

The current head of the dynasty is Hugo O'Neill, son of Jorge, whose family has been in Portugal since the eighteenth century. He is officially recognized by the offices of arms throughout Europe as titular Prince and Count of Clanaboy, but he refuses to use this title.

Spelling variants include O'Neil and O'Neal. Another spelling variant is MacShane-see Sir William Johnson of O'Neills of the Fews. See Ui Neill

Places named O'Neill

• O'Neill, Nebraska, USA
• O'Neil, Florida, USA

Things named O'Neill

• O'Neill (brand), created the O'Neill wetsuit and other surf clothing. Named after founder Jack O'Neill.
• O'Neill class battleship, an Asgard class of Starship from the Stargate universe.

People named O'Neill

• Conn O'Neill, 1st Earl of Tyrone (1480-1559), 1st Earl of Tyrone
• Charles O'Neill (1821-1893), U.S. Congressman
• Ed O'Neill, American actor
• Eugene O'Neill (1888-1953), American dramatist
• Felim O'Neill of Kinard (also known as Phelim O'Neill), leader of the Irish Rebellion of 1641
• Gerard Kitchen O'Neill (1927-1992) American astronaut, professor, and scientist
• Henry O'Neil, British painter
• Hugh O'Neill, 2nd Earl of Tyrone (1540-1616), 2nd Earl of Tyrone and The O'Neill -rebel leader in the Nine Years War (Ireland). Sometimes referred to the 3rd Earl of Tyrone.
• Hugh Dubh O'Neill, 17th c soldier in Spain, the Netherlands and Ireland
• Hugh McShane O'Neill 17th century rebel, Lord, and highwayman
• Jennifer O'Neill (b. 1948), an American actress
• Jonjo O'Neill, jockey
• Jack O'Neill, businessman, found the successful wetsuit manufacturing company called O'Neill.
• Kevin O'Neill (comics) (1953-), comics creator, artist of League of Extraordinary Gentlemen books
• Martin O'Neill, Irish Football Manager, Currently Unemployed.
• Michael O'Neill (1958-) Medical Physicist
• Owen Roe O'Neill, leader of the Ulster Irish army during the Irish Confederate Wars
• Paul Henry O'Neill (1935-), executive
• Paul O'Neill (baseball player) (1963-), American baseball player (ie. baseballer)
• Phelim Caoch O'Neill son of Conn Bacach O'Neill, 1510 to 1542. Prince of the Cenel Eoghan.
• Shane O'Neill 16th century Irish chieftain
• Terence O'Neill, 4th Prime Minister of Northern Ireland
• Tip O'Neill (also known as Thomas Phillip O'Neill) (1912-1994), U.S. Congressman
• William O'Neill (1963-), Cambridge University Scientist

See also

• Uí Néill
• O'Cahan
• Neil, a related given name
• Neill, a given name and surname
• Ol-Oo

External link

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Irish names | Surnames | Royal families | Irish kings | Irish families

O’Neill