Surname · Irish origin
O’Neill
Meaning
The surname O’Neill means Descendant of Niall.
Origin
Irish
Type
patronymic
Variants
2
The origin of the surname O’Neill
O’Neill means “descendant of Niall,” linked to “champion.”
What kind of surname is O’Neill?
O’Neill is a patronymic surname, derived from a father's or ancestor's given name. It belongs to the Irish naming tradition — you can read how Irish surnames were formed on our Irish last names page.
Variants & spellings of O’Neill
You may also see this surname written as:
- ONeill
- Neill
Other Irish surnames
Other patronymic surnames
Family names formed the same way, from different cultures.
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname O’Neill mean?
The surname O’Neill means Descendant of Niall. O’Neill means “descendant of Niall,” linked to “champion.”
Where does the surname O’Neill come from?
O’Neill is a surname of Irish origin.
What kind of surname is O’Neill?
O’Neill is a patronymic surname, derived from a father's or ancestor's given name.
What are other spellings of O’Neill?
Variant spellings of O’Neill include ONeill, Neill.
What are other Irish surnames?
Other Irish surnames include Boyle, Brennan, Byrne, Callaghan, Connolly, Daly.