Onell

The surname ONELL is believed to have originated in Ireland, specifically in the counties of Kerry and Cork. It dates back to the 16th century and is derived from the Irish Gaelic name Ó Néill, meaning "descendant of Niall." The name Niall is believed to have come from the Old Irish word "niadh," meaning "champion" or "warrior."

The Gaelic Ó Néill clan was once one of the most powerful and influential families in Ireland, ruling over parts of Ulster and forming the dynasty of the High Kings of Ireland. Some notable historical figures with the name include Niall Noígíallach (Niall of the Nine Hostages), who ruled as High King in the 5th century, and Niall Glúndub, who reigned as High King in the 10th century.

The name ONELL appears in various historical records, including the Annals of Ulster and the Annals of the Four Masters, which are chronicles of medieval Irish history. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is in the Annals of Ulster, which mentions a certain Domnall Ua Néill in the year 1166.

In the 17th century, during the English colonization of Ireland, many Irish families, including those with the name ONELL, were dispossessed of their lands and were forced to adopt anglicized versions of their names. This led to the emergence of various spellings, such as O'Neill, O'Neil, and ONELL.

Notable individuals with the surname ONELL include:

1. Hugh O'Neill (1550-1616), Earl of Tyrone and a prominent figure in the Nine Years' War against English rule in Ireland. 2. John O'Neill (1786-1848), an Irish-American soldier and hero of the War of 1812. 3. Elizabeth O'Neill (1791-1872), an Irish actress and playwright, known for her roles in various Shakespearean plays. 4. Barre O'Neill (1892-1944), an American artist and illustrator, known for his work in magazines such as Harper's Bazaar and Vanity Fair. 5. Eugene O'Neill (1888-1953), a renowned American playwright and Nobel laureate, celebrated for works such as "Long Day's Journey Into Night" and "The Iceman Cometh."