Oneal is of American origin, derived from the Irish surname Ó Néill, which means "descendant of Neil". This name has gained popularity as a given name over time, particularly among families with Irish heritage or those simply seeking unique and distinctive names for their children. The name Oneal carries a strong, energetic sound that may appeal to parents looking for a powerful yet approachable moniker for their son. Its pronunciation is typically /ō'nēl/, with the stress on the first syllable.
The name Oneal experienced fluctuations in popularity throughout the early to mid-20th century, with peaks in the years 1917, 1920, and 1925, each having more than ten births. However, it was not a consistently popular name, as seen by several years with fewer than five births between 1930 and 1944. Overall, there were 130 births named Oneal during this period.