The O'Neill dynasty ( Irish: Ó Néill) is a lineage of Irish Gaelic origin, that held prominent positions and titles in Ireland and elsewhere. As Kings of Cenél nEógain, they are historically the most prominent family of the Northern Uí Néill, along with the O'Donnell and O'Doherty.
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Who is the Ó Néill lineage?
The Ó Néill lineage claims descent from Niall Glúndub, a 10th-century king of Ailech as well as High King of Ireland. Niall descended from the Cenél nEógain branch of the Northern Uí Néill. The first to adopt the patronymic surname was Niall Glúndub's great-grandson, Flaithbertach Ua Néill .
Where did the name O’Neill come from?
And the town of O’Neill, Nebraska, is named for General John O’Neill, an Irish immigrant who fought for the Union during the Civil War. More recently, O’Neills have been active in politics on both sides of the Atlantic.
Who are the members of the O'Neill family?
Two other members of the O'Neill family have been elevated to the peerage. Hugh O'Neill, 1st Baron Rathcavan, was the youngest son of the second Baron O'Neill, while Terence O'Neill, Baron O'Neill of the Maine, Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, was the youngest brother of the third Baron.
Who were the Ó Néills and what did they do?
During the Middle Ages, the Ó Néills were active politically and militarily throughout Ireland, occasionally sending nobility to fight within Ireland and in campaigns in Europe. From 1312 to 1318, their kings were staunch supporters of King Robert the Bruce and his brother Edward Bruce.
What is the O'Neill family?
Where did the name O'Neill come from?
Where did the O'Neills of the Fews line continue?
What happened to the O'Neill lineage?
What dynasty did the O'Neills belong to?
When did the Tyrone O'Neills start?
Who is the head of the Clanaboy O'Neill Dynasty?
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About this website
Are all O Neills related?
The O'Neill lineage claims descent from Niall Glúndub, a 10th-century king of Ailech as well as High King of Ireland. Niall descended from the Cenél nEógain branch of the Northern Uí Néill. The first to adopt the patronymic surname was Niall Glúndub's great-grandson, Flaithbertach Ua Néill.
What is the O'Neill family motto?
Irish derivation: Ó Néill. Name meaning: "Descendant of Niall." Counties associated with the name: Tyrone, Derry, Donegal, Meath, Dublin, Carlow, Tipperary, and Wicklow. Coat of arms motto: "The red hand of Ireland."
How old is the O'Neill family?
The O'Neill family traces its history back to 360 A.D. to the legendary warrior king of Ireland, Niall Noigiallach (Niall of the Nine Hostages), who is said to have been responsible for bringing St. Patrick to Ireland.
Is O'Neill a gypsy name?
The surname O'Neill is ultimately of Irish Gaelic origin. It is an Anglicization of the original Gaelic Ua Néill, composed of the elements ua, meaning "grandson" or "descendant," and of the Gaelic name Niall.
What does the Red Hand of Ireland mean?
In medieval Irish literature, several real and legendary kings were given the byname 'red hand' or 'red-handed' (lámhdhearg or crobhdhearg). It signified that they were a great warrior, their hand being red with the blood of their enemies.
Is O'Neill a Viking name?
The first to take O'Neill as a surname was Domhnall, who took the name of his grandfather, killed in a battle with the Vikings. 'O'Neill' thus translates as 'grandson of Niall'.
Who is the rightful King of Ireland?
There's one last king left in Ireland: his name is Patsy Dan Rodgers (or Peatsaí Dan Mac Ruairí in his native Gaelic) and he is the King of Tory Island nine miles off the Donegal coast. Tory Island is three miles long and quarter of a mile wide and its main language is still Irish.
What does the Irish name O'Neill mean?
The surname O'Neill is an Anglicization of the original Irish Ua Néill, composed of the elements ua, meaning "grandson" or "descendant," and of the Irish name Niall.
What nationality is Neill?
IrishIrish and Scottish: reduced form of Irish Gaelic Ó Néill or Scottish Gaelic Mac Néill 'descendant (or son) of Niall', a personal name of Irish origin, thought to mean 'champion'.
Do I have Gypsy blood?
You may have Romani, Traveller or Gypsy ancestry if your family tree includes common Romani or Gypsy surnames such as Boss, Boswell, Buckland, Chilcott, Codona, Cooper, Doe, Lee, Gray (or Grey), Harrison, Hearn, Heron, Hodgkins, Holland, Lee, Lovell, Loveridge, Scamp, Smith, Wood and Young.
What is the oldest Irish surname?
O CleirighThe earliest known Irish surname is O'Clery (O Cleirigh); it's the earliest known because it was written that the lord of Aidhne, Tigherneach Ua Cleirigh, died in County Galway back in the year 916 A.D. In fact, that Irish name may actually be the earliest surname recorded in all of Europe.
Is O Irish or Scottish?
In contrast to Mc- and Mac-, found in both Ireland and Scotland, the prefix O' is unique to Ireland. It is derived from the Gaelic word “ua,” also abbreviated as uí or Ó, meaning “grandson of.” Thus any name beginning with O' is without question an Irish patronymic.
O'Neill Surname Meaning, History & Origin | Select Surnames
O’Neill Surname Meaning. O’Neill is an Irish clan whose name goes back into the mists of history – to the legendary 5th century warrior king of Ireland Niall Noigiallach (Niall of the Nine Hostages) who is said to have been responsible for bringing St. Patrick to Ireland.
Passenger Lists from Ireland - Ulster Ancestry
SOURCE Journal of the American-Irish Historical Society, V ol 28 - 29. ARCHIVE The Linen Hall Library, Belfast N Ireland PASSENGER LISTS
Who is Shane O'Neill's father?
…these rebellions, that of Shane O’Neill, fully exposed the weakness and later the folly of the government. O’Neill’s father, Conn the Lame (Conn Bacach), who as the “O’Neill” was head of a whole network of clans, had been made earl of Tyrone in 1541, and the succession rights of his…
What is Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland: Gaelic Irish and Anglo-Normans (c. 600–c. 1300) …by a dynasty called the Uí Néill (O’Neill), which claimed descent from a shadowy figure of the 5th century known as Niall of the Nine Hostages.
Who ruled Omagh?
Omagh. In Omagh. …was ruled by the ancient O’Neill family from the 5th through the 16th century, passing to English rule after the flight of Hugh O’Neill, 2nd earl of Tyrone, in 1607. Read More.
Who was the 2nd Earl of Tyrone?
After the flight (1607) of Hugh O’Neill, 2nd Earl of Tyrone, from the English, ownership of his vast estates lapsed and passed to the crown; the lands were…. Read More.
Where did the O'Neill family settle?
One branch of the O'Neill family went to County Limerick, where they settled after helping to expel the Danish Vikings. O'Neill legend says that after one such victory, they wore green branches in their helmets and on their horses' heads.
Where does the last name O'Neill come from?
The surname O'Neill is of Irish origin. O'Neill family history shows that the bearers of this surname are descendents of Niall of the Nine Hostages, a legendary figure in ancient Ireland whose name means champion. O'Neill genealogy shows that the name first arose in County Clare and County Tyrone.
Who is the O'Neill clan?
The Proud History of the O’Neill Clan. The O’Neill family traces its history back to 360 A.D. to the legendary warrior king of Ireland, Niall Noigiallach (Niall of the Nine Hostages), who is said to have been responsible for bringing St. Patrick to Ireland. The Ui Neill dynasty split into two septs, the Northern Ui Neill and the Southern Ui Neill, ...
Who is Jonjo O'Neill?
Jonjo O’Neill is a well-known Irish jockey and trainer, Martin O’Neill has managed Scotland’s Celtic football club to huge success in recent years, and baseball player Paul O’Neill made a name for himself with the New York Yankees. Paul’s sister Molly O’Neill, is a food columnist for The New York Times.
What branch of the O'Neills were the Yellow Haired Hughs?
The remaining O’Neills split into two septs; the senior branch were called the Tyrone O’Neills and the younger branch were known as the “Clan Aedh Buidhe,” the Yellow-haired Hughs or Clanaboy. The O’Neills continued to distinguish themselves in the fight for Ireland’s independence. Owen Roe O’Neill organized the return of 300 Irish officers in ...
What does "Niall" mean in Gaelic?
The name is derived from two separate Gaelic words, “Ua Niall,” which means grandson of Niall, and “Neill” meaning “champion.”. When Nial Gluin Dubh (Niall of the Back Knee), the King of Ireland from 890 until 919 A.D., was killed fighting the raiding Norsemen, his grandson Domhnall adopted the surname Neill.
Why did the O'Neill brothers get the red hand on their coat of arms?
Another story tells of three O’Neill brothers who were given laurel branches as a result of their victory over the Vikings and added the nickname “Creagh” to their names. The significance of the red hand on the O’Neill family coat of arms is often debated, and there are many interpretations as to what it signifies.
Why are the O'Neill brothers called Creagh?
The O’Neills were known by the nickname “Creagh” which comes from the Gaelic word “craobh” meaning branch, because they were known to camouflage themselves to resemble the forest when fighting the Norsemen. Another story tells of three O’Neill brothers who were given laurel branches as a result of their victory over the Vikings and added ...
When did Kevin O'Neill die?
He died in Boston on November 27, 1953. Kevin O’Neill is a renowned illustrator who has contributed to children’s comics as well as several science-fiction series such as ABC Warriors, Nemesis the Warlock and Metalzpic.
Early Origins of the O'Neill family
The surname O'Neill was first found in County Tyrone (Irish: Tír Eoghain), the ancient territory of the O'Neills, now in the Province of Ulster, central Northern Ireland, and County Clare where O'Neill was chief of Clan Dalvy and of Tradree, a district in the barony of Inchiquinn.
Early History of the O'Neill family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our O'Neill research. Another 108 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1480, 1559, 1530, 1567, 1550, 1616, 1612, 1664, 1694, 1689 and 1689 are included under the topic Early O'Neill History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
O'Neill Spelling Variations
A name was often recorded during the Middle Ages under several different spelling variations during the life of its bearer because literacy was rare there was no real push to clearly define any of the languages found in the British Isles at that time.
Early Notables of the O'Neill family (pre 1700)
Notable amongst the family name at this time was Sir Niall O'Neill who distinguished himself at the Battle of the Boyne; Conn O'Neill, 1st Earl of Tyrone (c.1480-1559) King of Tir Eogain; Shane O'Neill (c.1530-1567), Irish king of the O'Neill dynasty of Ulster; Hugh O'Neill (c.
O'Neill World Ranking
In the United States, the name O'Neill is the 768 th most popular surname with an estimated 39,792 people with that name. [3] However, in Canada, the name O'Neill is ranked the 512 nd most popular surname with an estimated 9,527 people with that name.
What does the last name O'Neill mean?
The surname O'Neill is ultimately of Irish Gaelic origin. It is an Anglicization of the original Gaelic Ua Néill, composed of the elements ua, meaning "grandson" or "descendant," and of the Gaelic name Niall. The meaning of the Niall is disputed, but has been suggested as "cloud," "passionate," or "champion."
Who is Brian O'Neill?
Brian O'Neill (ice hockey b. 1929), a Canadian executive within the National Hockey League. Brian O'Neill (ice hockey b. 1988), American ice hockey player. Brian O'Neill (1574), chief of the O'Neills of Clanaboy, surrendering his title to Sir Philip Sidney for a knighthood in 1567.
Why is MacNeal called MacNeal?
Irish and Scottish variants also exist and include MacNeal, MacNiel and MacNeill, which arose when the ua element in the name was replaced with mac, meaning "son of.".
What is the red hand on the O'Neill family crest?
They share a common theme that begins with a promise of land to the first man that is able to sail or swim across the sea and touch the shores of Ireland. Many contenders arrive, including a man named O'Neill, who begins to fall behind the others. Using his cunning, O'Neill cuts off his left hand and throws it onto the beach before the other challengers are able to reach shore, thus technically becoming the first of them to touch land and wins all of Ireland as his prize.
Where is O'Neill's pub?
There is at least one pub in Ireland named for O'Neills. O'Neill's Bar & Steakhouse is in Maynooth, County Kildare, serving patrons since 1912. Visit the O'Neills in Maynooth the next time you're abroad.
Who is the main character in Neighbours?
Connor O'Neill, a fictional Northern Irish character in the Australian soap opera Neighbours. C. William O'Neill, (1916-1978), an American politician. Carlos O'Neill, (1760-1835), a titular head of the Clanaboy O'Neill dynasty. Cecily O'Neill, authority on Process drama and the arts in education.
Who is the actor who played the Irish in the Irish Rebellion?
Frederick O'Neal (1905 1992), American actor and television director. Fabián O'Neill, (born 1973), a Uruguayan football midfielder. Felim O'Neill of Kinard, an Irish nobleman who led the Irish Rebellion of 1641 in Ulster. Francis O'Neill, (18481936), an Irish-born American police officer.
What did Eugene O'Neill do in 1909?
In 1909 O'Neill married Kathleen Jenkins before leaving for Honduras to mine for gold. A month after his return in April 1910, his son Eugene O'Neill, Jr., was born. O'Neill left later that year to work at sea. He also did odd jobs in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Back in New York in 1911, he spent several weeks drinking in bars before shipping out again to England. Almost half of his published plays show his interest in the sea. In 1912 O'Neill's marriage broke up, he tried to kill himself, and he developed tuberculosis (a disease of the lungs). By the time he was released from the hospital in June 1913, he had decided to become a dramatist.
What disease did O'Neill develop?
Almost half of his published plays show his interest in the sea. In 1912 O'Neill's marriage broke up, he tried to kill himself, and he developed tuberculosis (a disease of the lungs). By the time he was released from the hospital in June 1913, he had decided to become a dramatist. O'Neill began to write constantly.
What was Eugene O'Neill's main concern?
Four of his plays were honored with the Pulitzer Prize. His main concern was with the anguish and pain experienced by sensitive (easily hurt or damaged) people.
How many brothers did Eugene have?
Eugene had two brothers, James, Jr. (born 1878), and Edmund (born 1883). Edmund's death at a young age brought deep feelings of guilt into the family. Eugene spent his first seven years on tour with his parents. Although he received a lot of exposure to the theater, he hated living in hotel rooms, and the constant traveling drove his mother ...
What was O'Neill's first Pulitzer Prize?
His hard work led to great success with the production of his full-length Beyond the Horizon (1920), for which he won his first Pulitzer Prize. The play is similar to the one-act form in its structure, but by adding a poetic and well-spoken character, O'Neill was able to reach high dramatic moments.
Did O'Neill leave Shane and Oona out of his will?
O'Neill even left Shane and Oona out of his will. When O'Neill knew that death was near, he tore up six of his unfinished plays rather than have someone else rewrite them. He died on November 27, 1953. With the exception of The Iceman Cometh (1946), all of O'Neill's later works were produced after his death.
What is the O'Neill family?
O'Neill baronets. The O'Neill dynasty ( Irish: Ó Néill) is a lineage of Irish Gaelic origin, that held prominent positions and titles in Ireland and elsewhere. As Kings of Cenél nEógain, they are historically the most prominent family of the Northern Uí Néill, along with the O'Donnell and O'Doherty.
Where did the name O'Neill come from?
Origins. The O'Neill lineage claims descent from Niall Glúndub, a 10th-century king of Ailech as well as High King of Ireland. Niall descended from the Cenél nEógain branch of the Northern Uí Néill. The first to adopt the patronymic surname was Niall Glúndub's great-grandson, Flaithbertach Ua Néill .
Where did the O'Neills of the Fews line continue?
Through this man the O'Neills of the Fews line continued in Mallorca in the 19th century and in Argentina in the 20th century. The current day Argentinean descendants of Lieutenant General Felix O'Neill therefore have an historical claim to be leaders of this branch of the O'Neill dynasty.
What happened to the O'Neill lineage?
After 1241, the O'Neill lineage dominated and displaced other lineage, using the disruption of the Norman invasion of Ireland in 1169 to their benefit and were able to consolidate. The Bruce Invasion of Ireland devastated the Norman Earldom of Ulster, which held sway over eastern Ulster and most of its north coast all the way to Derry. Its collapse in 1333 allowed a branch of the O'Neill that had been on good terms with the Normans, Clandeboye, to step into the power vacuum and take control over large parts of eastern Ulster.
What dynasty did the O'Neills belong to?
The O'Neills had strong family relationships with the FitzGerald dynasty, both the Earls of Kildare and Earls of Desmond; the Earl of Pembroke via de Clare's marriage to the Irish house of Diarmuid, King of Leinster; and the MacDonnells, Bissetts, MacLeans, and Campbells .
When did the Tyrone O'Neills start?
This is another branch of the Tyrone O'Neills which started in the mid 15th century. The name translates to "of the sept of Art". Eoghan Mór O'Neill (Owen the Great), King of Tír Eoghan (Tyrone) from 1432 to 1456 had four sons who each started independent lines.
Who is the head of the Clanaboy O'Neill Dynasty?
The current head of the Clanaboy O'Neill dynasty, a descendant of João, is Portuguese nobleman Hugo Ricciardi O'Neill, the son of Jorge Maria O'Neill; the family has been remarkable in the modern history of Portugal . In 1896 Jorge O'Neill of Portugal submitted his genealogy to the Somerset Herald in London.