MACNEILL
Also recorded as Mac Neill, Macneill
MacNeill
The surname MacNeill, a common Scottish and Irish surname, traces its origins to the son of Niall. The prefix "Mac" denotes "son of," while "Neill" is derived from the Gaelic name "Niall," meaning "champion" or "cloud."
The MacNeill clan has historical ties to Scotland and Ireland, with branches established in both countries. The Scottish MacNeills were associated with the western coastal regions, particularly in Argyllshire, where they held lands on the Isle of Barra. They were known for their seafaring prowess and involvement in maritime activities.
In Ireland, MacNeills were found predominantly in County Cork and County Antrim. They were recognised as a seafaring and warrior clan with a notable presence along the coastlines.
Throughout history, individuals bearing the surname MacNeill have made significant contributions in various fields, including politics, academia, and the arts. The surname continues to be prevalent in modern times, with MacNeills scattered across the United Kingdom and beyond, perpetuating the rich heritage and traditions associated with their name.
The MacNeill surname embodies a legacy of strength, resilience, and a deep-rooted connection to the lands of Scotland and Ireland, making it a prominent and distinguished name in British and Celtic history.
There are approximately 882 people named MacNeill in the UK. That makes it roughly the 8,152nd most common surname in Britain. Around 14 in a million people in Britain are named MacNeill.
Surname type: From name of parent
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Christopher
- Colin
- David
- Donald
- Duncan
- Iain
- Ian
- James
- John
- Robert
- Stuart
Female
- Agnes
- Alison
- Carol
- Christine
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Fiona
- Helen
- Jacqueline
- Jennifer
- Judith
- Lucy
- Margaret
- Mary
Similar and related surnames
- MacNeil
- Mackneil
- Macknell
- Macknelly
- Macnally
- Macneal
- Macneall
- Macneel
- Macneela
- Macneillie
- Macnell
- Macnely
- Macniel
- Macniell
- Mckneale
- Mcneale
- Mcneall
- Mcneil
- Mcneila
- Mcneile
- Mcneilie
- Mcneill
- Mcneille
- Mcneillie
- Mcneillis
- Mcneilly
- Mcneily
- Mcnell
- Mcnella
- Mcnellie
- Mcnelly
- Mcniell
- Mcnill
- Macneilage
- Mcnail
- Mcnall
- Mcneela
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.