Surname MacNeela - Meaning and Origin
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MacNeela: What does the surname MacNeela mean?
MacNeela is an Irish surname of descent from the Gaelic word "Mac Conghalaigh," which means "the son of the loyal one or the devoted one". This surname is associated with the Norman conquerors who traveled to Ireland during the 12th century and was especially derived from the Mac Conghalaigh clan of northwestern Connacht, most notably from the Joyce Country, which is the traditional name of the area around modern day Lough Mask.
The Mac Conghalaighs were located in what is now the County of Mayo, and the name MacNeela is derived from the combination of the words for “force” and “ship”, describing a status of military strength, which was awarded to the now familiar clan.
MacNeela is an unmistakable Anglo-Norman surname found mainly in the province of Connacht, Ireland. It is derived from the Gaelic O'Conghaile, which is pronounced ‘Mac-nee-la’. As the Gaelic spelling was often mistranscribed, the name assumed a variety of forms such as MacNally, MacNeil, McNeely, McNeela and MacNeill.
The name MacNeela is associated with the northern reaches of the Barony of Tirawley which lies on the Atlantic coast of County Mayo. The MacNeela family were firmly rooted here, having first settled in the area many centuries ago.
Modern day descendants of this proud Irish clan carry the MacNeela surname, and it continues to stand as a reminder of its proud heritage. As the name goes down the centuries, it also serves as a symbol of loyalty, courage and strength.
Order DNA origin analysisMacNeela: Where does the name MacNeela come from?
The last name MacNeela is most commonly found in Ireland today, where it has established deep roots and been passed down through the generations. The earliest recorded use of the name dates back to the 10th century, when it was used by families of ruling clans in County Galway. The name has become something of an Irish surname classic, surviving the hardships of centuries of Irish history and maintaining popularity in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
MacNeela is most common in the Irish counties of Galway, Mayo, and Donegal. In the southern part of the country, descendants of these same families are found in Cork and Waterford. Many MacNeela families can also be found in large urban centers, especially in Dublin, where there’s a sizable population of MacNeelas descended from those families who migrated from their rural ancestral homes to seek employment in the city.
In the United States and the UK, MacNeela is a fairly uncommon last name. In the US, it's most common in states with large Irish-American populations, particularly New York, Florida, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. In the UK, it's relatively rare, with most people carrying it there having family ancestry from Ireland.
Overall, the MacNeela last name is still deeply entwined with the culture and heritage of Ireland, where it's managed to remain a fairly common surname throughout the centuries and across the generations.
Variations of the surname MacNeela
The surname MacNeela has several variants, spellings, and other surnames of the same origin. The most common variant is MacNeely, as well as MacNiel, MacNiell, MacNeeley, and MacNeell. Other less common variants include McNeeley, MacNeilly, MacNeill, MacNeillie, and MacNey.
In some cases, the surname has been anglicized to become the ordinary name of Nealon, Neally, and Neilon. In addition, it has been Gaelicized and anglicized to become the Irish surname Neenan. Furthermore, in Scotland the surname is sometimes spelled McNeal or McNeil, which are spellings common in Irish and Scottish surnames.
The surname MacNeela finds its roots in the Gaelic language. The prefix “Mac” or “Mc” is a common prefix meaning “son of”, so in other words the surname literally means “son of Neela” or “Neela's child”. The root of the surname comes from an Irish Gaelic personal name, which was likely derived from the Irish word “Niall”, meaning “champion”.
The surname most likely originated with the O'Neill Clan, one of the most powerful clans in Ireland who traces their royal lineage to the High Kings of Ireland in the 11th century. The surname has spread around the world, particularly settling in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Overall, the surname MacNeela has a rich history and many different spellings, variants, and surnames of the same origin.
Famous people with the name MacNeela
- Mary Ann MacNeela, Irish traditional musician
- Brian MacNeela, Irish American actor
- Eithne MacNeela, Irish Gaelic singer
- Tristan MacNeela, Irish music composer
- Dara MacNeela, Irish singer-songwriter
- Colm MacNeela, Irish painter and sculptor
- Johnny MacNeela, Irish singer-songwriter
- Ciara MacNeela, Irish actress
- Padraig MacNeela, Irish comedian
- Cormac MacNeela, Irish folk musician