O'Neill (also spelled O'Neil) is a common surname of Irish origin.
Its original form was Ui Néill, meaning was 'grandson of Niall'.
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 in medieval times. The progenitor of the dynasty was Niall of the Nine Hostages, who was High King ca. 379-405. 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 King of Ireland.
Spelling variants include O'Neil and O'Neal.
Places named O'Neill
Things named O'Neill
People named O'Neill
- O'Neill, Conn (1480-1559), 1st Earl of Tyrone
- O'Neill, Eugene, (1888-1953), American dramatist
- O'Neil, Henry, British painter
- O'Neill, Hugh (1540-1616), 2nd Earl of Tyrone and The O'Neill see also Flight of the Earls
- O'Neill, Jonjo, jockey
- O'Neill, Kevin, comic creator
- O'Neill, Paul Henry (1935-), executive
- O'Neill, Paul, musician
- O'Neill, Paul Andrew (1963-), baseballer
See also
