Surname McNichol - Meaning and Origin

McNichol: What does the surname McNichol mean?

The surname McNichol comes from a Gaelic family originally located in Scotland. It is derived from the personal name Nicholas, from the Greek 'Nikolaos', meaning 'victory-people'. The 'Mc' prefix means 'son of', so the full name translates to 'son of Nicholas'. The name is especially associated with the regions of Galloway and Arran in Scotland. Over time, variants of the name have appeared, such as MacNichol, MacNicol, and Nicol. Many people with these names can trace their heritage back to a Scottish clan, specifically Clan MacNeacail or Clan MacNicol. These clans have a rich history dating back to the medieval period and are part of the larger Scottish Gaelic tradition. In many cases, descendants of these clans emigrated to countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, oftentimes due to economic hardship or political instability in their home country. Therefore, the surname McNichol represents not just a family lineage, but also a part of Scottish history and diaspora culture.

McNichol: Where does the name McNichol come from?

The last name McNichol is most commonly found in the United States today. In the U.S., the surname is especially prevalent in states like Texas, California, and New Mexico, although it can be seen in other states throughout the country as well.

McNichol is a popular Scottish name that originated in the Glasgow region during the Middle Ages, likely from the Gaelic-derived first name Niccol. From there, it gradually became more and more widespread across the islands of Scotland.

The McNichol name continued to spread throughout the centuries to other parts of the British Isles and ultimately to the United States. Its prevalence in America is likely due to the waves of Scots-Irish immigration that occurred during the 1700s and 1800s to eventually settle in Mid-Atlantic and Southern Appalachia.

Today, there are many Scottish-Americans of McNichol heritage living all across the United States as part of a vast and ever-growing diaspora of Londoners and Scots alike. As a result, the McNichol surname has become increasingly common in the States, with many millions of individuals proudly carrying the name.

Variations of the surname McNichol

The surname McNichol is derived from the Irish pre-Norman name Nicamhail. It is sometimes written as MacNichol or MacNickel. It is derived from the personal name Nic010l, and is derived from a Celtic element which means 'champion'.

McNichol can be spelt or pronounced in a variety of ways. Some of the possibilities include McNeal, MacNiel, MacNiell, McNeall, McKneal, McKneel, McNeil, McNeal, McNickle, McNicle, MacNicol, MacNickle, MacNiegel, and MacNickle. The spelling of the name can be modified in such a way that the pronunciation changes as well.

Various forms of the surname are found in Ireland, Scotland, and England. In Scotland, most of the forms of the surname are found in the south and west of the country. In Ireland, MacNicol is most common, while MacNickle is found mostly in the north-east. In England, both MacNicol and MacNickle are found in certain regions.

Overall, the surname McNichol is derived from the Irish pre-Norman name Nicamhail and is related to the Gaelic nickname 'Nicamhail' which means 'champion'. Though the spelling of the surname may vary, it all refers to the same root.

Famous people with the name McNichol

• Kristy McNichol: American actress best known for her roles in films such as Little Darlings, The Pirate Movie, Family, and White Dog.
• Jimmy McNichol: American actor and singer, Younger brother of Kristy McNichol. He is best known for his roles in films such as The Pirate Movie, So Fine, Love and Kisses, and Grease 2.
• Ann McNichol: American casting director, known for her work on shows such as The Wonder Years, Cheers, and The Golden Girls.
• Meghan McNichol: American voice actress, best known as the voice of Donatello on the 1980s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon series and for her work on Saturday morning cartoons such as Smurfs, Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School, and Baby Looney Tunes.
• Gregor McNichol: Scottish racing driver, who won several British and Scottish touring car championships during the late 70s and early 80s.
• Andee McNichol: American model, best known for her work with fashion and lifestyle magazine Glamour.
• Leslie McNichol: American singer and actor, best known for her work on the Austin & Ally TV series and the films Camp Rock 2 and Grease 2.
• Keith McNichol: American football player, best known for his play in the NFL from 1972 to 1982.
• Kenny McNichol: American football coach at Vanderbilt University, he was the head coach from 1999 to 2004.
• Robin McNichol: American film actress, known for her roles in the romantic comedy films All Over The Guy, Just Like Heaven, and Date Night.

Other surnames

McNichols