Surname McNeily - Meaning and Origin

McNeily: What does the surname McNeily mean?

The surname McNeily is of Scottish origin and it is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Neill which means "son of Neil". The name "Neil" in Gaelic is either "Niall", which translates to "champion", or "Neill" derived from "nél" meaning cloud. The prefix "Mac" commonly designates "son of", hence McNeily means "son of the champion" or "son of the cloud". This surname has various spellings including McNeil, MacNeil, McNeill, MacNeill, McNeilly, MacNeilly, and many others. Like many Gaelic surnames, it has been primarily associated with a lineage and clan, specifically the MacNeil of Barra clan in Scotland. In the wider world, it is likely to be found amongst communities of the Scottish diaspora.

McNeily: Where does the name McNeily come from?

The surname McNeily originates from Ireland, more specifically from the Gaelic "Mac an Fhile", which translates to "son of the poet". It was typically given to descendants of poets, bards, and storytellers in Gaelic culture. Many bearers of this name can trace their lineage back to counties Antrim and Down in Northern Ireland. The surname has different variants such as McNeilly, McNally, and McAleely among others, due to phonetic translations over the centuries.

Today, the spelling McNeily remains rather rare, but most common in English-speaking countries due to Irish diaspora, particularly in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Despite its rarity, the surname retains its cultural and historical significance in Irish heritage.

Variations of the surname McNeily

The surname McNeily has Irish and Scottish roots. It can also be spelled as McNeil, MacNeil, MacNeill, MacNeal, McNeal, McNeill, MacNelly, McNealy, or MacNealy. Variations could also include the less common forms, such as MacNeel, McNeel, McNeall, McNeille, MacNeille, MacNale, and Mcnayle among others.

There are also possibilities of anglicized forms deriving from the Gaelic "Mac Néill", which means "son of Niall". In some cases, the surname may have geographical or territorial connotations, originating from either the Scottish island of Barra or the areas of Argyll and Galloway.

Therefore, the surnames like Neill, O’Neill, Neil, Neale, Neilson, Nelson, Nielson, etc., might be related due to the same root "Niall".

However, it is essential to trace the genealogical record for the precise origin and connection.

As surnames have undergone changes due to migrated families adopting the language and spellings of their new homes, tracing a surname may have some margin of discrepancy. Furthermore, please note that due to phonetic similarities, vastly distinct surnames might appear similar, even if they don't share a common origin.

Famous people with the name McNeily

• Serenity McNeily: singer
• Greer McNeily: actress
• Stephen McNeily: Canadian artist
• Kim Jones McNeily: reality TV star
• Bill McNeily: former Major League Baseball player
• Bryan McNeily: Olympic water polo player
• Colin McNeily: musician
• Alan McNeily: Canadian athlete
• Clifford McNeily: painter
• John McNeily: NFL football player
• Irvin McNeily: comedy writer
• Philip McNeily: former Professional Bowlers Association tour player
• Melissa McNeily: professional golfer
• Scott McNeily: former professional cyclist
• John McNeily Jr.: former Delaware Supreme Court Chief Justice

Other surnames

McNeightMcNeilMcNeillMcNeilly