Oneil — Last Name Origin & Meaning

European origin Rank #1,220 in the US 28,949 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#1,220
▼ Down 75 since 2000
People in the US
28,949
9.81 per 100K people
Origin
European
European

Origin & Meaning of the Oneil Surname

What does the last name Oneil mean?

The surname Oneil carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 28,949 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Oneil ranks as the #1,220 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Oneil come from?

The Oneil surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Oneil name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Oneil trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.

European European

Quick Facts

Surname Oneil
Meaning Family name of European origin
Origin European
Language European
US Rank (2010) #1,220
US Count (2010) 28,949
Per 100K People 9.81
First Letter O

Ethnic Distribution of Oneil

According to the US Census, the Oneil surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 28,949 Americans with the Oneil last name.

White 88.03%
Black 6.46%
Hispanic 2.67%
Asian/PI 0.55%
Native American 0.51%
Two+ Races 1.78%
Ethnic distribution of the Oneil surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White88.03%
Black6.46%
Hispanic2.67%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.55%
Native American0.51%
Two or More Races1.78%

Popularity of Oneil Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Oneil surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#1,145
28,020 people
Down 75
Census 2010
#1,220
28,949 people

The number of Americans with the Oneil surname increased by 929 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Oneil Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Oneil ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Similar Surnames to Oneil

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Oneil.

Other European Surnames

Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Oneil.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oneil

The surname Oneil is of European origin. Family name of European origin
The surname Oneil is ranked #1,220 in the United States with approximately 28,949 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Family name of European origin. The name has European roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Oneil surname is distributed as: 88.0% White, 6.5% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Oneil ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

People searching for information about the Oneil surname also look for:

Share this page:

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn