Surname Niall - Meaning and Origin

Niall: What does the surname Niall mean?

The last name Niall is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic personal name Niall, which can be translated to mean "champion" or "passionate". The name Niall has been popular in Ireland for centuries due to the semi-mythical Irish king Niall of the Nine Hostages. In the genealogical tradition, it is believed that Niall established a dynasty of powerful chieftains who dominated most of Ireland for six centuries. The majority of people bearing the surname Niall can trace their ancestry back to this legendary figure. Moreover, the name Niall has also been Anglicized into other forms like Neal or Neil. Despite its ancient roots, the surname Niall continues to be in use today within Ireland and in countries with Irish diasporic communities.

Niall: Where does the name Niall come from?

Niall is a common surname throughout the British Isles, especially in Ireland, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. It is also quite common in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand as a result of Irish immigration.

The origins of the surname date back to the time of Niall of the Nine Hostages, a 4th century High King of Ireland. This Irish legend is a member of the Uí Néill dynasty and is believed to be an ancestor of the clan bearing his name. Over the centuries, the Niall family gradually spread across Ireland and beyond.

Today, Niall is a popular surname in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. According to the Central Statistics Office of Ireland, as of 2019, the surname Niall was the 55th most popular surname in the country.

In Scotland, Niall is particularly popular in the western and central parts of the country. Additionally, Niall is one of the 50 most common surnames in the United States and Canada. It is also one of the most common surnames in Australia and New Zealand, which both have sizeable Irish populations.

In conclusion, the last name Niall is common across the British Isles, especially in Ireland, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Its origins trace back to the time of Niall of the Nine Hostages, a 4th century Irish legend.

Variations of the surname Niall

The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Niall includes Neylan, Neylanlys, Neal, Neall, Nealon, Neile, Nealley, Nials, Niles, Neill, Neilson, Nelson, Niland, Noland, Nielson, Nealan, Nial, Nihill, O'Neill, Nihal, Nealley, Neilsen, Nihell, Nealand, Neiland, Naile, Neyland, Neilands, Nihaland, Neghl, Neylon, Neel, Neelands, Neillands, and Neilson.

This surname is first recorded in English and Scottish records from the early Middle Ages, and reached its peak of popularity during the mid-19th century. It was typically used as a Patronymic name, meaning "son of Neil," a form of Niall which originated from Gaelic languages. It was used by the royal family of Gaels, both within and beyond Ireland.

The Scottish variant of this surname is Neal, and it was derived from the Norman-French personal name "Neil." It was also used to denote a local and usually a freeman, having acquired the land by some form of charter, and by this virtue was allowed a flourish of arms. The Niall surname is quite popular amongst Irish and Scots, and its presence can also be found in various parts of England.

Variants of this surname such as Neylan, Neylanlys, Neal, Neall, Nealon, Neile, Nealley, Nials, Niles, Neill, Neilson, Nelson, Niland, Noland, Nielson, Nealan, Nial, Nihill, O'Neill, Nihal, Nealley, Neilsen, Nihell, Nealand, Neiland, Naile, Neyland, Neilands, Nihaland, Neghl, Neylon, Neel, Neelands, Neillands, and Neilson are all used around the world to denote someone with roots of Irish and Scottish origin.

Famous people with the name Niall

• Niall Horan: pop singer and former member of the British boy band One Direction.
• Niall James McNamee: Irish actor known for appearing in films such as Death Race 2, Ripper Street and Vikings.
• Niall Ferguson: British historian and public intellectual specialising in financial and economic history.
• Niall McGinn: Northern Irish professional footballer who plays for Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen.
• Niall MacGinnis: Irish actor best known for appearing in 1948's Oscar winning film, Hamlet.
• Niall O'Leary: former world Irish dancing champion and founder of the renowned Irish dance school, O'Leary Irish Dance.
• Niall Quinn: former Republic of Ireland international footballer, who also served as Sunderland's chairman and manager.
• Niall Breslin: Irish musician, producer, mental health campaigner and former rugby player.
• Niall Matter: Canadian actor who has appeared in a number of movies and television series, including Eureka and Christmas Cottage.
• Niall Carson: Irish sports broadcaster and journalist, formerly employed by the Irish Independent newspaper.

Other surnames

NialNialle