O'Neill

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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.

1 O'Neill Dynasty Today
2 Places named O'Neill
3 Things named O'Neill
4 People named O'Neill
5 See also
6 References

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O'Neill Dynasty Today

Image:O'neill clanaboy.png

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 Tyrone and 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

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