Origin and Meaning of Onell

Meaning & Origin

Noble or distinguished

Origin: Irish - Derived from the Gaelic name 'O'Neill', which means 'descendant of Niall', with Niall possibly meaning 'champion' or 'cloud'.

Interesting Facts

  • Onell is closely tied to the O'Neill dynasty, a prominent Irish family that played a significant role in Irish history, especially in Ulster.
  • The name has variations in different cultures, such as O'Neill (Irish) and Neill (Scottish), reflecting its widespread familiarity in Celtic regions.
  • Notable bearers of the O'Neill surname include Hugh O'Neill, an important 16th-century Irish chieftain and military leader.
  • While Onell itself is rare, O'Neill remains a popular surname in Ireland and among Irish descendants globally.
  • Related names include Niall, Neala, and even the more modern variations such as O'Neil or Neil.