MCNEILL
Also recorded as M'Cneill, Mc Neill, Mc'Neill, Mc'neill, Mcneill
McNeill
McNeill is a Scottish and Irish surname derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Néill," meaning "son of Niall." The name is of patronymic origin, indicating descent from a father or ancestor named Niall.
Origins and Distribution
The McNeill surname has Celtic roots and is commonly associated with Scotland and Northern Ireland. Variants of the name include MacNeill, MacNeil, and M'Neill. The name is often found in areas with historical Celtic influence, such as the Scottish Highlands and Islands, as well as Ulster in Ireland.
Historical Significance
The history of the McNeill clan is intertwined with the broader tapestry of Scottish and Irish history. The McNeills were known for their resilience and loyalty to their ancestral lands. They often played significant roles in clan conflicts, battles, and the turbulent politics of medieval Scotland and Ireland.
Notable Individuals
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the surname McNeill. These include:
- John McNeill (1795–1893): A Scottish physician and pioneer in public health, known for his work on sanitary reform.
- Fionn McNeill (1928–2005): A prominent Irish poet and playwright, celebrated for his contributions to contemporary literature.
- Grace McNeill (born 1980): A British scientist and environmentalist, recognised for her efforts in sustainability and conservation.
Modern Day
In contemporary times, the McNeill surname continues to be prevalent among individuals with Scottish or Irish heritage, both in the United Kingdom and across the world. The name serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Celtic peoples and their contributions to culture and society.
There are approximately 7,729 people named McNeill in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,215th most common surname in Britain. Around 119 in a million people in Britain are named McNeill.
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
- Andrew
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Robert
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Angela
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Fiona
- Helen
- Jacqueline
- Karen
- Linda
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Mackneil
- Macknell
- Macneal
- Macneall
- Macneel
- Macneil
- Macneill
- Macneillie
- Macnell
- Macniell
- Mckneale
- Mcnail
- Mcnall
- Mcnally
- Mcnaul
- Mcneal
- Mcneale
- Mcneall
- Mcneally
- Mcnealy
- Mcnee
- Mcneel
- Mcneela
- Mcneely
- Mcneil
- Mcneila
- Mcneilage
- Mcneile
- Mcneilie
- Mcneilis
- Mcneillage
- Mcneille
- Mcneillie
- Mcneillis
- Mcneilly
- Mcneily
- Mcnelis
- Mcnell
- Mcnella
- Mcnellan
- Mcnelley
- Mcnellie
- Mcnellis
- Mcnelly
- Mcniel
- Mcniell
- Mcnill
- Neale
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.