Origin & Meaning of the Oneill Surname
What does the last name Oneill mean?
The surname Oneill 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 50,028 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Oneill ranks as the #689 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Oneill come from?
The Oneill 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 Oneill name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Oneill 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.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Oneill |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #689 |
| US Count (2010) | 50,028 |
| Per 100K People | 16.96 |
| First Letter | O |
Ethnic Distribution of Oneill
According to the US Census, the Oneill surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 50,028 Americans with the Oneill last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 92.67% |
| Black | 0.94% |
| Hispanic | 3.99% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.77% |
| Native American | 0.27% |
| Two or More Races | 1.36% |
Popularity of Oneill Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Oneill surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Oneill surname increased by 1,372 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Oneill Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Oneill ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The Complete Story of the Oneill Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Oneill Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Oneill
- ✓ The Oneill coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Oneill families live today
- ✓ Notable Oneill bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
🎁 A heritage keepsake to pass down — perfect as a gift.
Similar Surnames to Oneill
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Oneill.
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 Oneill.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oneill
Top Surnames Starting with O
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter O, ranked by population.
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Oneill surname also look for: