Surname MacNeels - Meaning and Origin
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MacNeels: What does the surname MacNeels mean?
The last name MacNeels is derived from the Scottish and Irish language, and is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac an Fhilidh, which literally translates to "son of the poet". The MacNeels have strong ties to Scotland and Ireland, and the name can also be found in North America, specifically in Canada and the US.
The MacNeels family was originally a widespread clan of people located in Scotland and Ireland during the medieval period. These people acted as poets and songwriters, spreading news orally throughout the clan by way of tales and songs. In addition to their duties as storytellers, the MacNeels were also responsible for local justice. Being able to recite legal and written documents was a skill held by the members of this family, providing them with a unique advantage over those within their community.
The name MacNeels has traveled across countries and centuries, and can now be found in North America. In addition to being poets and storytellers, a significant number of MacNeels are also musicians and actors. The creativity and storytelling background inherent in the name has enabled individuals to diversify and pursue a variety of vocations.
The clan of MacNeels has been woven into the history of Scotland and Ireland, and has also had a significant presence in North American for thousands of years. From humble beginnings, the MacNeels family has been known for being creative and gifted tellers of stories. With the world and its history so intertwined, this name continues to be perpetuated and remembered.
Order DNA origin analysisMacNeels: Where does the name MacNeels come from?
The last name MacNeels is generally considered to be a Scottish surname, with the family believed to be descended from a chieftain who lived during the 13th century. The MacNeels are most often found in Scotland and the United Kingdom, though the surname can be found in Canada, the United States, and Australia.
In Scotland, MacNeels can be found especially in the counties of Aberdeenshire and Angus, the latter of which is the traditional home of the MacNeels. In Aberdeenshire, the villages of Torphins and Banchory are the main population centers for the MacNeels. Elsewhere in the United Kingdom, the surname can be found in areas of northern England, especially in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cheshire.
The MacNeels have also been found in the United States, primarily in Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, indicating that early immigration to these areas may have taken place in the 1600s and 1700s. Canadians can find MacNeels living primarily in Ontario, where especially large concentrations are found in cities like Toronto and Hamilton.
Australia is also home to a fairly large MacNeel population due to a large wave of immigration during the 19th century. The majority of Australian-based MacNeels can be found in the states of New South Wales and Victoria.
Overall, the MacNeel surname is most commonly found in Scotland and the United Kingdom, though due to earlier migrations, it can also be found in Canada, the United States, and Australia.
Variations of the surname MacNeels
The surname MacNeels is a variant of the Irish Mc Neil, which is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name Mac Néill. It is derived from the old Irish name “Niall,” which is composed of two elements meaning “passionate” and “champion.” The name is found in both countries of Scotland and Ireland in its original form.
MacNeels has numerous spelling variants, such as McNeel, MacNeeil, MacNeale, McNeal, McNeall, MacNiel, McNeal and McNeille, as well as MacNeel, MacNeil, MacNeal, McNeil, McNeale, MacNealle, MacNal, MacNeille, McNeille, Macrill and MacNeilsey.
It is also a derived surname from several Gaelic clans of Scots and Irish descent, such as the MacNeel of Skye, the MacNeill clan of Mull and Tiree, the MacNeill of Barra, the MacNeill of Islay, and the MacNeill of Moidart. Furthermore, several Gaelic Clans across Scotland and Ireland have the same original spelling variation: MacNeill, MacNaill, MacNeale, MacNelly, MacNeal, MacNiell, MacNail and MacNeill.
The surname has also been adopted in different languages over the centuries such as the German MacNeill that has the form Mac Neals, and the French and Italian MacNeale that has the forms McNeil and MacNeils respectively.
Famous people with the name MacNeels
- David MacNeels: American film producer and production manager on several films from the 1990s to present.
- Kelsey MacNeels: Canadian talented actress, best known for her performance in the 1998 drama Rollercoaster.
- Reed MacNeels: American Professional Golf Association (PGA) golf champion from 1962-1963.
- Dylan MacNeels: Canadian-born actor, best known for his lead role in the television series GenXers.
- Jack MacNeels: British Formula One racing driver in the 1960s and 1970s.
- Dave MacNeels: American rock and roll guitarist and singer, best known for his work with the group Guns N' Roses.
- Dr. William MacNeels: American doctor and one of the first to discover the link between cancer and smoking.
- Jana MacNeels: American television personality and cooking show host.
- Andrea MacNeels: English stage actress and theatre director, best known for her role in the hit musical Mamma Mia!.
- Steve MacNeels: American baseball player, best known for his pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1960s.