Surname MacNeill - Meaning and Origin
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MacNeill: What does the surname MacNeill mean?
The surname MacNeill has a rich Gaelic origin, derived from the pre 10th century Old Gaelic name "MacNeill", which translates to "son of Neil". The personal name Neil, often spelled as Niall, means "champion". Therefore, the name MacNeill essentially signifies "son of the champion". The name is primarily found in Scotland, particularly in the Isles of Barra in the Hebrides, and Gigha in Argyle. However, it has a broad Irish connection too and is linked to two distinctly separate clans in Ireland - the MacNeills of Ulster province and the MacNeills from County Clare, in Munster province. Variations of the name include McNeil, MacNeal, and MacNeale among others.
Whether Scottish or Irish in origin, the MacNeills have always been known for their bravery, tenacity and leadership. These characteristics aligned with the meaning of the name; their ancestors were often seen as champions among the people. The coat of arms for MacNeill includes a red lion rampant on a silver shield, encompassed by a black border, signifying their strength and nobility.
Order DNA origin analysisMacNeill: Where does the name MacNeill come from?
The surname MacNeill originates from Scotland, particularly from the island of Barra in the Hebrides. The name is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Néill", which means "son of Néill". The predecessor, Néill, comes from the Gaelic word 'niall', which means 'champion'.
The name spread from Scotland to other areas due to migration and conquests, most notably to Ireland during the Middle Ages when Scottish clans, the MacNeills included, participated in the invasion and subsequent settlement of Ireland. Therefore, the name is common in both Scotland and Ireland. Although still found in these countries, the spelling may vary such as McNeil or McNeill.
Moreover, due to historical emigration from Scotland and Ireland, the MacNeill surname is also relatively common in countries like United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Whether through voluntary migration or forced displacement during periods like the Highland Clearances in Scotland or the Great Famine in Ireland, bearers of the MacNeill surname have spread worldwide. Recent generations may have spread further, making the name globally present but most common in countries with significant populations of Scottish and Irish descent.
Variations of the surname MacNeill
The surname MacNeill originates from Scotland and Ireland. The Scottish version is derived from the Gaelic "Mac Néill," which means "son of Niall." In Ireland, it's from "Mac Néill," which means "son of a champion."
The name has multiple variants and spellings, which arose due to differences in regional dialects and spelling conventions over time. Variations include MacNeal, MacNeil, MacNeale, MacNeall, MacNeille, McNeil, McNeill, McNeal, McNeale, McNeall,McNeille, MacNiel, MacNiall, MacNail, McNickel, McNickell, McNickle, McNickle, MacNickel, MacNickell, MacNickle, MacNeel, and McNeel.
Surnames similar in origin or composition are MacNiel, MacNaughton, MacNeice, O'Neill, MacNichol, and MacNicoll.
Due to the way records were kept in the past, one individual might be found with several spelling variations of their surname in the historical records including phonetic equivalents due to different dialects and languages in different regions.
It's also worth mentioning that there are unrelated families with similar names due to translation equivalents such as the French "Fils de Niel" meaning "son of Niel" or the Welsh “ap Neil” meaning “son of Neil”. These aren’t typically considered variants of MacNeill but in some cases may have been translated or transformed into the MacNeill form due to migration or anglicization.
Famous people with the name MacNeill
- Kelly MacNeill: Canadian actress, best known for her lead role in the movie "The Last New Year"
- Angus MacNeill: British Member of Parliament from 1832 to 1834
- Michael MacNeill: Canadian acting patriarch of the MacNeill clan
- John MacNeill: Irish nationalist, former president of the Gaelic League
- Brian MacNeill: Canadian folk musician
- Emily MacNeill Bradley: Canadian poet and children’s literature editor
- Jack MacNeill: British actor and comedian
- Colin MacNeill: Scottish professional footballer
- Ford MacNeill: Canadian actor
- Angus MacNeill: Scottish solicitor, journalist and Member of Parliament
- Scott MacNeill: American painter and sculptor
- Margaret MacNeill: Canadian actress
- Karla MacNeill: Canadian author and former librarian
- Malcolm MacNeill: Canadian opera singer
- Peter MacNeill: Canadian actor
- Julia MacNeill: Australian singer and actress
- Devon MacNeill: Canadian actress
- Belle MacNeill: Australian actress
- Douglas MacNeill: Scottish footballer