Surname MacNeal - Meaning and Origin
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MacNeal: What does the surname MacNeal mean?
The last name MacNeal is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Néill," which means "son of Néill.” The Gaelic personal name "Néill" comes from "niall," which may mean "champion," "passionate," or "eager." Therefore, according to its original meaning, MacNeal can be interpreted as "son of the champion" or "son of the passionate." Like many other surnames that began as patronyms, MacNeal would have been used by the sons to signal their descent from a prominent ancestor named Néill. As surnames became hereditary, MacNeal would have been passed from one generation to the next, creating a family line with this name. It is predominantly found in the regions of Galloway and Ayrshire in Scotland.
Order DNA origin analysisMacNeal: Where does the name MacNeal come from?
The last name MacNeal originates from Scotland, more specifically from the western Isles region. It is derived from the Gaelic "Mac Néill" which means "son of Niall". The name Niall itself is believed to mean "champion". Also used as MacNeil, it has variations across different regions.
The MacNeals were traditionally concentrated in the Hebrides, specifically Barra Island. They have a clan system, and their clan chiefs held the title of "the Macneil of Barra".
Today, the name is not only found in Scotland but also in countries to which Scottish people historically migrated. This includes nations such as the United States, Canada, Australia and some parts of Europe, where descendants of the MacNeal family now live. In general, this surname is still mostly concentrated in English-speaking countries. However, it is not among the most common surnames and occurs relatively infrequently.
Variations of the surname MacNeal
The surname MacNeal is of Irish and Scottish origin. It stems from the Gaelic name Mac Néill, which means "son of Néill" or "son of Niall." The name Niall means "champion". Variations of the surname can depend on the region or country.
MacNeal is just one spelling. Its variants include MacNeil, McNeal, McNeil, McNeill, McNeilly, Neill, O'Neil, O' Neill, Neill, Neil, Neal, Neale, and MacNeale, among others.
The surnames could also differ based on their translation or the transformation of the name through time and diverse languages. For instance, names like Nelson could also be possibly linked, as "Neil's son" could refer back to the same meaning.
The name may also appear differently in other languages - for example, Niall can be found in the form of Nigel in English or Neel in French. The surname MacNeal, along with its variations, has spread across the world with the migration of Irish and Scottish people, particularly during the times of the Highland Clearances in Scotland and the Irish diaspora.
Famous people with the name MacNeal
- Robert MacNeal: award winning actor, writer, and director.
- Will MacNeal: actor and musician.
- Peter MacNeal: actor and producer.
- John G. MacNeal: former president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
- Gordon MacNeal: Pulitzer Prize-winning author.
- Bruce MacNeal: Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.
- Harry MacNeal: former corporate executive.
- Adam MacNeal: award-winning entertainer, musician, and painter.
- Mark MacNeal: Australian soccer player.
- Kathleen MacNeal: broadcaster and journalist.
- Bree MacNeil: former child actor.
- Laura MacNeil: Olympic equestrian and coach.
- Bailee MacNeal: actor and singer.
- A.J. MacNeal: author and screenwriter.
- Patsy MacNeal: former footballer.
- John MacNeal: current St Kilda Football Club assistant coach.
- Bob MacNeal: former Australian rules footballer.
- Norman MacNeal: former NASCAR driver.
- Katherine MacNeal: former figure skater.
- April MacNeal: Canadian actor and voice actress.