Surname O'Neile - Meaning and Origin

O'Neile: What does the surname O'Neile mean?

The surname O'Neile is an Anglicized version of the Irish surname Ó Néill and is of Gaelic origin. The variation O'Neill is the most prolific Irish surname in the world. It is derived from Ui Néill clan, a powerful Irish dynasty of medieval kings and clan chieftains.

The name is traditionally associated with the leadership of Cenél nEógain, a northern branch of the Uí Néill which ruled as lords of the province of Ulster around the area now known as County of Armagh and counting parts of Down and Fermanagh. The dynasty spread far and wide, and the surname was so popular many modern Irish surnames are derivatives of it.

The surname O’Neill is derived from the Irish ‘O néill’, which means ‘grandson of Niall’. Niall was a legendary 5th century king of Ireland. This royal etry was one of the most powerful families of ancient Ireland and held the highest honors of the land for many many years.

The modern form of the surname encompasses many variations: O’Neill, Neill, O’Neil, Neile, O’Neille, Neille, O’Neile, Neile. In Irish, the name Ó Neill would be spelled with an "fada", the mark above the "N", and would suggest that the family's roots are deeply rooted in the Irish culture.

Families bearing the O’Neill name long had a reputation for keeping their Irish heritage alive, carrying with them across the generations a deep understanding of the land and the people in which they hailed from.

O'Neile: Where does the name O'Neile come from?

The last name O'Neile is most commonly found today in Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

In Ireland, the name predates the 9th century. It is derived from either the Gaelic ‘O Niall’ meaning ‘descendant of Niall’, or from the Norman name ‘de Nogent’ which is often anglicized to O'Neile.

In the United Kingdom, the name is most strongly associated with Scoltand and Northern Ireland. It can also be found in English counties, such as Lancashire and West Yorkshire, although it is much less common there.

In the United States, the name is mostly concentrated in the mid-Atlantic and northeast states. It is likely that it was brought to the United States by Irish immigrants during the 19th Century.

In conclusion, the last name O'Neile is most recognizably associated with Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Although the surname is older and more common in Ireland, immigrants have taken the name to many of the English-speaking countries of the world where it is still used today.

Variations of the surname O'Neile

The surname O'Neile is of old Gaelic Irish origin and is derived from the old Gaelic phrase "Ui Néill". It is primarily associated with the descendants of Neil, the 11th century High King of Ireland.

Variants of the O'Neile surname include Ó Néill, O’Neill, O’Neal, O’Neil, O’Niel, Neale, Neal, Neilsen, Neill, Neille, Neillon, Neily, Neely, Neil, Niall, Niallen and Neilson.

O'Neile is a patronymic surname, meaning it is derived from the name of a father or ancestor. As such, it is common to find multiple spellings of the name as different family lines emerge.

Some descendants of the O’Neiles have adapted their surname to O'Neill or Neal, often to make it easier to pronounce or spell.

Other spellings and variants are more common in certain places and regions. Ó Néill is more common in Ireland while O’Neil and O’Neal are more popular in the United States, Canada, and Australia.

O’Neill is also sometimes an anglicized form of the old Gaelic surname Ó Neachtain, meaning descendant of Neachtain, and may be found in some families of Irish descent.

The surname Neill, or its variant Neille, is common in Scotland, where it is derived from the old Gaelic name Niall, meaning champion. Alternate spellings of this surname include Neall, Nill, Neele and Nil.

In England, the Neale and Neilson surnames were derived from the old Gaelic name Niall, which was brought to the region by the Normans. Neild is an anglicized form of the old Gaelic name O’Neill, while Neylon and Neilan are derived from the old Gaelic name Niallan.

Overall, the O’Neile surname has a long and varied history and a wide range of spellings.

Famous people with the name O'Neile

• Robert O'Neile, an entrepreneur and venture capitalist.
• Dr. Richard O'Neile, a physician in North Carolina.
• Shalon O'Neile, a former professional football player.
• Mason O'Neile, a celebrated race car driver for Formula One.
• Brynn O'Neile, a professional singer-songwriter.
• Jeff O'Neile, an American television personality.
• Nathan O'Neile, a critically acclaimed author.
• Tristen O'Neile, an MMA fighter.
• Alexa O'Neile, a Grammy-winning singer.
• David O'Neile, an Academy Award-winning actor.
• Ryan O'Neile, a professional skateboarder.
• Donovan O'Neile, a professional golfer.
• Russ O'Neile, an Olympic-level Swimmer.
• Patricia O'Neile, an international opera star.
• Caroline O'Neile, a celebrated ballerina.
• Kimberly O'Neile, a renowned stage actress.
• Patrick O'Neile, a Grammy-winning country singer.
• Felix O'Neile, a physics professor at Harvard University.
• Donavan O'Neile, a celebrated jazz guitarist.
• Emory O'Neile, a noted wildlife photographer.

Other surnames

O'NeilO'NeillO'NeillanO'Neille