McNeal

Origin and Meaning: McNeal is a Scottish surname of Celtic origin. The name is derived from the Gaelic 'MacNéill', meaning 'son of Neil'. 'Mac' is a prefix meaning 'son of', and Neil is an Anglicised form of the Gaelic name 'Niall', which means 'champion'.

History: The McNeal surname has a long history, tracing back to ancient Scotland. The bearers of this surname were likely descendants of individuals who held a prominent position within their clan or community, possibly as warriors or leaders.

Distribution and Popularity: McNeal is a relatively uncommon surname in the United Kingdom and is mostly found in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Like many Scottish surnames, it may have spread further afield due to migration and emigration patterns throughout history.

Notable Individuals:

  • John McNeal (b. 1950) - British author known for his works on Scottish history and genealogy.
  • Catherine McNeal (1787-1851) - A notable figure in Scottish folklore, known for her tales of supernatural encounters in the Highlands.

Variants: Variants of the McNeal surname include MacNeal, MacNeil, and McNeil. These variations have developed over time due to factors such as regional accents and dialects.

Coat of Arms: The McNeal family may have a coat of arms associated with their surname, featuring symbols and colours that represent their heritage and accomplishments. Heraldry offers a fascinating insight into the history and status of a particular family.

In conclusion, the McNeal surname embodies a rich tapestry of Scottish history and heritage, reflecting the proud traditions of its bearers. Through the centuries, individuals with this surname have contributed to the cultural tapestry of Scotland and beyond.

There are approximately 154 people named McNeal in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named McNeal.

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

  • Alan
  • Alistair
  • Andrew
  • David
  • John
  • Michael
  • Nathan
  • Neal
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • Shaun
  • Stuart
  • Thomas
  • Timothy

Female

  • Aimee
  • Angela
  • Chris
  • Christine
  • Denise
  • Diane
  • Gemma
  • Janet
  • Judith
  • Julie
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Sophie

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