A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the O'Neill family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 6159 · Britain, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
handFaith, sincerity and justice
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. à deux lions affr. de gu., supp. ensemble une main sen. appaumée du même, en pal; le tout acc. en chef de trois étoiles rangées de gu. et en p. d'un saumon nageant au nat. C.: un bras arm., tenant une épée, le tout au nat.”
Britainc. 1613
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Map of Britain showing where the O'Neill arms are recorded
The O'Neill arms were recorded in Britain, c. 1613.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Kent.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats of arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Britain in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Britain when the O'Neill arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Britain.
Origin & History of the O'Neill Family in Britain
The O’Neill family name is deeply rooted in Irish history, but its presence in Britain became notable during the early seventeenth century. While the name originates from the Gaelic title Ua Néill, meaning descendant of Niall, members of the family began to settle in England as political landscapes shifted. By 1613, records confirm that individuals bearing this name were established in Kent. This migration often occurred as families sought new opportunities or navigated the complex social changes following the Flight of the Earls. These early settlers in Kent integrated into local society while maintaining a connection to their ancestral heritage. Their presence in the region during this period highlights the movement of people across the Irish Sea during a time of significant cultural exchange and transition.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
handFaith, sincerity and justice
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“O'Neill (Claneboy or Clan Acdh Buidhe; descended from HUGH DUBH O'NEILL, d. 1230, second son of HUGH MACCONEH O'NEILL, Prince of Tyrone, and brother of NIAL ROE O'NEILL, Prince of Tyrone, ancestor of O'NEILL, Earl of Tyrone, from HUGH BUIDHE O'NEILL, grandson of HUGH DUBH O'NEILL. This line were designated the Claneboy O'NEILLS. They had their chief seat at Edenduffcarrick, now Shanes Castle, co. Antrim. JOHN O'NEILL, Esq., of Shane's Castle, ninth in descent from HUGH BUIDHE O'NEILL, d. 1617, leaving four sons, viz., I. Sir HENRY O'NEILL, Knt., of Shane's Castle, whose only dau. and heiress ROSE O'NEILL, m. RANDALL, Marquess of Antrim, and d. 1707; II. ARTHUR O'NEILL, whose male line failed with his grandsons; III. PHELIM DUBH O'NEILL, ancestor of the Earl O'Neill; IV. SHANE OGE O'NEILL, ancestor of O'NEILL, of Ballybollen). Per fess wavy the chief ar. the base representing waves of the sea, in chief a dexter hand couped at the wrist gu. in base a salmon naiant ppr. Crest—An arm in armour embowed the hand grasping a sword all ppr. Motto—Lamb dearg Eirin.”
Irelandc. 1230
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Map of Ireland showing where the O'Neill arms are recorded
The O'Neill arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1230.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Ireland in this period.
Henry III of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry III of England
1216–1272
Reigning in Britain when the O'Neill arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the O'Neill Family in Ireland
The O’Neill family name is deeply rooted in the history of Ireland, originating from the Gaelic title Ó Néill, which means descendant of Niall. The family traces its ancestry back to Niall of the Nine Hostages, a legendary king who ruled during the fifth century. By the time the name appeared in records in Dublin in 1230, the O’Neills had already established themselves as a powerful political force in the northern province of Ulster. They were part of the Cenél nEógain, a prominent dynasty that held significant influence over Irish politics for hundreds of years. As the family expanded, members moved across the island, taking on roles as leaders, scholars, and warriors. Their presence in urban centers like Dublin during the thirteenth century shows that they were active participants in the shifting social and political landscape of medieval Ireland.
O'Neill Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Niall
An ancient Gaelic name likely meaning champion or cloud.
This name
O'NeillDescendant of the champion, representing a prominent Irish royal dynasty.
also spelled
Oneil
Neil
Neill
Related arms
O'Nealesimilar arms
Neilvariant spelling
Neillvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
MacLysaght, Edward. The Surnames of Ireland. 1985
O’Rahilly, Thomas F. Early Irish History and Mythology. 1946
The National Archives (UK). State Papers Domestic, James I. 1611–1618
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lionCourage, strength and royalty
handFaith, sincerity and justice
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
lionCourage, strength and royalty
handFaith, sincerity and justice
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
