O'Neill surname: meaning and origin
O'Neill means descendant of Niall, a name sometimes explained as champion or cloud. It is a native Gaelic Irish family from Tyrone and Antrim.
| Irish form | Ó Néill |
|---|---|
| Meaning | descendant of Niall, a name sometimes explained as champion or cloud |
| Home region | Tyrone and Antrim (Ulster) |
| Origin | Gaelic |
| Variants | Neill, Neal, Neale |
History of the O'Neill name
The Uí Néill claimed descent from Niall of the Nine Hostages. The O'Neills of Tyrone were the dominant family in Ulster until the early seventeenth century.
The first name behind O'Neill
This surname comes from an old given name. Read about it: Niall.
More surnames from Ulster
- BoyleÓ Baoighill · descendant of Baoighill
- BradyMac Brádaigh · son of Brádach
- McBrideMac Giolla Bhríde · son of the devotee of Saint Brigid
- ClarkeÓ Cléirigh · descendant of the cleric
- O'DohertyÓ Dochartaigh · descendant of Dochartach
- O'DonnellÓ Dónaill · descendant of Dónall
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname O'Neill mean?
O'Neill (Irish: Ó Néill) means descendant of Niall, a name sometimes explained as champion or cloud.
What is the Irish spelling of O'Neill?
The Irish-language form of O'Neill is Ó Néill.
Where is the surname O'Neill from?
O'Neill is a native Gaelic Irish family, associated with Tyrone and Antrim in Ulster.
What are other spellings of O'Neill?
Related spellings and forms include Neill, Neal, Neale.