How Many Kids Does Shaq Have? Unveiling The O'Neal Family Legacy

Prof. Kaley Kling 23 Jun 2025

Shaquille O'Neal, a name synonymous with basketball greatness, dominated the NBA for nearly two decades, leaving an indelible mark with his powerful dunks, charismatic personality, and four championship rings. His towering presence and larger-than-life persona captivated millions, making him one of the most recognizable athletes globally. But beyond the illustrious career and the spotlight of professional sports, many fans often wonder about the man behind the legend, particularly his personal life.

One of the most frequently asked questions about the NBA legend revolves around his family: "How many kids does Shaq have?" It's a testament to his enduring appeal that fans are just as curious about his role as a father as they are about his on-court achievements. In this comprehensive article, we'll delve into the fascinating world of Shaq's six children and get to know the next generation of this iconic basketball family. From their unique personalities to their own accomplishments, each of Shaq’s kids is unique and special in their own way, carving their own paths while carrying the weight of a legendary last name.

Shaquille O'Neal: Beyond the Basketball Court
The O'Neal Family: Answering "How Many Kids Does Shaq Have?"
Meet the O'Neal Children: From Oldest to Youngest
Shaq's Parenting Philosophy: Balancing Fame and Fatherhood
The O'Neal Legacy: Beyond the Court and Into the Future
Frequently Asked Questions About Shaq's Kids
Conclusion

Shaquille O'Neal: Beyond the Basketball Court

Shaquille O'Neal, a towering figure in basketball history, has left an indelible mark on the sport. At every level of basketball, Shaquille O'Neal dominated, from being the No. 1 overall pick of the 1992 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic to winning four NBA championships. His career was nothing short of remarkable, filled with MVP awards, All-Star selections, and unforgettable moments that cemented his status as one of the greatest centers of all time. Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal retired from the court twelve years ago, but his influence continues to resonate through various ventures, including sports analysis, acting, and business. While his career on the court is legendary, his legacy continues through his children, who are carving their own paths — some in basketball, and others in entirely different arenas. Before we dive into the details of his family, here's a quick look at some key personal data for the big man himself:

Attribute	Detail
Full Name	Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal
Date of Birth	March 6, 1972
Place of Birth	Newark, New Jersey, USA
Height	7 ft 1 in (2.16 m)
NBA Draft	1992 (1st overall by Orlando Magic)
NBA Championships	4 (3x Lakers, 1x Heat)
Marital Status	Divorced (from Shaunie O'Neal)
Number of Children	6 (5 biological, 1 stepchild)

The O'Neal Family: Answering "How Many Kids Does Shaq Have?"

The question "How many kids does Shaquille O’Neal have?" is a common one, and the answer is clear: NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal is a proud father of six kids. Specifically, Shaquille O’Neal has six children, five biological children and one stepchild. This dynamic family includes a blend of biological children from different relationships and a beloved stepson, all of whom Shaq maintains a close bond with. Shaquille O’Neal has five biological kids. His first child, Taahirah, was born from his relationship with Arnetta Yardbourgh. Later, in 2002, the former NBA player married Shaunie O’Neal, a reality television star. Together, they had four children: sons Shareef and Shaqir, and daughters Amirah and Me'arah. Shaunie also had a son, Myles, from a previous relationship, whom Shaq embraced as his own stepson. The former husband and wife met in 1996, tied the knot in 2002, and finalized their divorce in 2010, but their shared commitment to their children remains evident. Shaquille O’Neal currently has six children, aged 17 to 27, and is close to all of them. Despite his demanding career and public persona, Shaq has managed to be a good dad, remaining involved in each of his kids’ lives, even the adult ones. His children have occasionally appeared alongside him in public, offering glimpses into their family dynamics. The O'Neal children embody a blend of ambition and individuality, pursuing diverse paths from athletic pursuits to artistic and professional careers.

Meet the O'Neal Children: From Oldest to Youngest

Let's take a closer look at Shaq’s family and get to know the next generation of this iconic basketball family, ranking his children from oldest to youngest. Basketball superstar Shaq has six kids: Taahirah, Myles Baptiste, Shareef Rashaun, Amirah Sanaa, Shaqir Rashaun, and Me'arah Sanaa O'Neal. Each of Shaq's kids is unique and special in their own way, forging their own identities under the shadow of their famous father.

Taahirah O'Neal: The Eldest Daughter

Born in 1996, Taahirah O'Neal is Shaquille's eldest biological child, from his relationship with Arnetta Yardbourgh. She was born in Orlando, FL, but later moved to Houston after attending college. Unlike some of her younger siblings, Taahirah has largely stayed out of the public eye, focusing on her professional career. She graduated from Oglethorpe University in 2019, where she studied sociology. Taahirah has since embarked on a career in communications and marketing, working for various companies and demonstrating a strong work ethic. Her path highlights that not all of Shaq's children are destined for the sports or entertainment world, showcasing the diverse interests within the O'Neal family.

Myles O'Neal (Baptiste): The Stepson with a Creative Flair

Myles O'Neal, born in 1997, is Shaquille's stepson, the biological son of Shaunie O'Neal from a previous relationship. Despite not being biologically related, Shaq has always treated Myles as his own, and they share a strong bond. Myles has carved out a unique identity for himself in the entertainment industry. He is a successful DJ and model, frequently appearing at high-profile events and fashion shows. His career path demonstrates a passion for music and fashion, distinguishing him from the family's strong basketball lineage. Myles’s presence in the family underscores Shaq's inclusive approach to fatherhood, extending his love and support to all his children, biological or otherwise.

Shareef O'Neal: Carrying the Basketball Torch

Shareef Rashaun O'Neal, born in 2000, is one of the most recognized of Shaq's children, primarily due to his pursuit of a basketball career. The oldest is Shareef O'Neal, who currently plays for head coach Will Wade and the LSU Tigers, his father's alma mater, before transferring to other programs. Shareef's journey has been closely watched, not just because of his famous father but also due to personal health challenges. His son Shareef recently opened up about undergoing open heart surgery at 18, a significant hurdle he bravely overcame. Despite this, Shareef has continued to pursue his dreams, showcasing resilience and dedication to the sport. He has played for various collegiate teams and even had a stint in the NBA G-League, striving to make his own mark in professional basketball.

Amirah O'Neal: A Rising Star on the Court

Amirah Sanaa O'Neal, born in 2001, is another one of Shaquille and Shaunie's children who has inherited her father's athletic genes. Standing tall like her dad, Amirah has also pursued a career in basketball, playing at the collegiate level. She has showcased her skills on the court, demonstrating impressive talent and dedication. While not as publicly scrutinized as her older brother Shareef, Amirah's commitment to basketball speaks volumes about the family's inherent athletic prowess. Her journey reflects the potential for the O'Neal name to continue making waves in the basketball world, this time through its female athletes.

Shaqir O'Neal: Following in His Father's Footsteps

Shaqir Rashaun O'Neal, born in 2003, is the youngest son of Shaquille and Shaunie. Like his older brother Shareef and sister Amirah, Shaqir has also embraced basketball. He has been a prominent high school player and is currently playing at the collegiate level, continuing the O'Neal family's strong presence in the sport. Shaqir's development on the court is closely watched by fans eager to see if he will eventually follow in his father's legendary footsteps to the NBA. His journey is a testament to the family's deep connection to basketball, illustrating how the passion for the game has been passed down through generations.

Me'arah O'Neal: The Youngest and Full of Potential

Me'arah Sanaa O'Neal, born in 2006, is the youngest of Shaquille and Shaunie's children and the youngest of all six O'Neal kids. Despite her young age, Me'arah is already making a name for herself in the basketball world. She is a highly-touted high school prospect, demonstrating significant talent and potential on the court. Her performances have garnered attention, suggesting that she too might pursue a professional basketball career, further solidifying the O'Neal family's legacy in the sport. As the youngest, Me'arah represents the future of the O'Neal athletic dynasty, with ample time to develop her skills and make her own mark.

Shaq's Parenting Philosophy: Balancing Fame and Fatherhood

Beyond his illustrious career, Shaq is a devoted father to six children. Six kids will tire anyone out, but it appears that Shaq has managed to be a good dad regardless. He’s remained involved in each of his kids’ lives, even the adult ones. Shaquille O’Neal proudly parents six children, and his approach to fatherhood is characterized by a blend of support, encouragement, and a clear emphasis on individuality. He understands the unique challenges his children face growing up with a legendary father and strives to provide them with a normal upbringing as much as possible. Shaq has often spoken about the importance of education and hard work, instilling these values in his children. While many of his kids have pursued basketball, he has always supported their individual passions, whether it's Taahirah's career in communications, Myles's ventures in music and fashion, or the athletic pursuits of Shareef, Amirah, Shaqir, and Me'arah. He encourages them to forge their own identities and not simply live in his shadow. The O'Neal children embody a blend of ambition and individuality, thriving in their chosen fields. This hands-on, supportive parenting style has clearly fostered strong bonds within the family, as evidenced by their frequent public appearances together, such as Shaquille O'Neal and his children at MGM Grand Garden Arena on October 01, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The O'Neal Legacy: Beyond the Court and Into the Future

The question of "how many kids does Shaq have" extends beyond a simple numerical answer; it delves into the continuation of a legacy. Shaquille O'Neal's impact on basketball is undeniable, but his influence now extends through his children, who are making their own names in various fields. From athletic pursuits to artistic and professional careers, the O'Neal children are a testament to diverse talents and ambitions. His son Shareef recently opened up about undergoing open heart surgery at 18, a testament to the family's resilience and openness. This kind of personal sharing, combined with their public lives, paints a picture of a family that is both extraordinary due to their father's fame and relatable in their personal challenges and triumphs. The basketball legend's children are not just "Shaq's kids"; they are individuals building their own futures, supported by a loving and involved father. Their collective journeys showcase how a strong family foundation can empower individuals to chase their dreams, whether they align with a parent's path or diverge entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shaq's Kids

Q: How many biological kids does Shaq have?

A: Shaquille O’Neal has five biological kids: Taahirah, Shareef, Amirah, Shaqir, and Me'arah O'Neal.

Q: Who are Shaq's children with Shaunie O'Neal?

A: He and his former wife, Shaunie O’Neal, share four children: sons Shareef and Shaqir, and daughters Amirah and Me’arah.

Q: Does Shaq have a stepchild?

A: Yes, Shaquille O’Neal has one stepson, Myles O'Neal (Baptiste), who is Shaunie O'Neal's son from a previous relationship.

Q: Are any of Shaq's kids playing basketball?

A: Yes, Shareef, Amirah, Shaqir, and Me'arah O'Neal have all pursued basketball at various levels, from high school to college, with Shareef even playing in the G-League.

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