Surname Neigh - Meaning and Origin
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Neigh: What does the surname Neigh mean?
The surname Neigh is believed to be of British origin, possibly derived from the Middle English term "neighen" or "nigon", which means "to draw near" or "approach". Over time, the term evolved into a nickname or a topographic name for someone who lived near a notable landmark or feature, such as a river, hill, or church. It might also have been used as an occupational name for someone who worked in a prominent local function, such as a servant in a royal household or a town official. As surnames became hereditary, this geographical or occupational term would have been passed down through generations.
Like many surnames, the spelling can vary greatly due to phonetic translations and regional dialects, including variations like Ney, Neigher, and Nye. A historical record of this surname dates back to the 13th century in the “Hundred Rolls of Norfolk”, England where a William Neigh is mentioned. However, the exact origin and meaning of the name may be lost to history due to a lack of written records. Regardless, those bearing the surname Neigh are likely to find roots in England.
Order DNA origin analysisNeigh: Where does the name Neigh come from?
The last name Neigh is generally found in the United States, but it is most prevalent in the Midwest region. It is particularly concentrated in the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Indiana. This last name is of German ancestry and was likely brought to America by German immigrants in the 19th century. The most common spelling of the name today is "Nehring," which is an anglicization of its original form.
The Neigh surname can also be found in England, Canada, and Australia, although it is much less common. It is possible that it is a variation of the name "Nehring" or derived from a Norwegian or Danish surname. The origins of the name are unclear, but it could refer to someone who lived near a stable or to one who bred horses. It could also signify a place where people gathered or lived near a human settlement.
The Neighs today are most likely descended from German immigrants who settled in the Midwest region, although this is not certain. They have likely assimilated into American culture and may have lost touch with their German heritage. Despite this, some members of the Neigh family still opt to retain their German surnames to honor their past.
Variations of the surname Neigh
The surname Neigh is an English surname of multiple variants including Neagh, Neighe, Negh, Nigh, and Ni. It is derived from an Old English personal name, "Neaga", meaning "cheerful." The forms of the surname Neigh can be found in many English counties including Derbyshire, Lancashire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire.
The most common variant spellings of Neigh are Neagh and Neighe. These forms of the surname can be found in Ireland and Scotland, along with the spelling Nigh. The suffix -igh or -eigh is often used to change the spelling of a surname.
The popularity of the surnames Neagh and Neighe is largely due to the fact that they are derived from the Irish Gaelic word, “O Neachtain”. This word referred to the traditional head of a clan or the head of a sept. Historically, many O Neachtains held positions of power and wealth in Ireland and Scotland.
The surname Negh is a rarity and is more commonly found in the United States than anywhere else. It is most likely derived from the German or Dutch surname Neght. Although spelled differently, this surname has the same origin as the other variants of Neigh.
Lastly, the less common variant Ni is found predominantly in Scotland. It is derived from the traditional Scottish name “Ni Mac Duoinne”, which translates as “son of the second”.
Overall, the surname Neigh has many variants, spelling variations, and surnames of the same origin scattered across the British Isles and North America. As such, tracing one’s ancestral history can be a challenge, even with the help of genealogy websites. Despite the difficulties, many with the surname Neigh can trace their roots back to the Old English personal name Neaga and are proud to have a connection with their ancestors.
Famous people with the name Neigh
- Andrea Neigh: Canadian field hockey player
- Resa Neigh: Professional Para-equestrian rider
- Suzanne Neigh: American pop and jazz singer
- Thomas Neigh: American professional baseball player
- Kris Neighbors: American actor best known for his roles in films such as Warlock, Unspeakable Acts, and The Substitute
- Gary Neigh: American former Major League Baseball pitcher
- Cody Neigh: American actor and producer
- Mason Neigh: American singer-songwriter
- Jimmy Neigh: Professional wrestler
- Alexander Neigh: American tennis player