
The last name "McNeely" is primarily of Scottish and Irish origin. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name "Mac Néill," which means "son of Niall." "Mac" means "son of" in Gaelic, and "Néill" is derived from the Old Irish name "Niall," meaning "champion" or "cloud." Variations of the name include MacNiell, McNiel, and McNeal. The original bearers of the name were likely descendants of Niall of the Nine Hostages, an ancient Irish king who ruled during the 4th and 5th centuries. The McNeely surname is relatively common in Scotland and Ireland, as well as among their respective diaspora.
The surname McNeely has its origins in Scotland and Ireland. The name is derived from the Gaelic "Mac Naois," meaning "son of Naois." Naois is a personal name of uncertain origin, but it is believed to have Gaelic roots. The prefix "Mac" signifies "son of," indicating that the early bearers of the name were descended from an ancestor named Naois. Over time, the surname evolved to McNeely, as the pronunciation and spelling changed. The McNeely surname is relatively common in Scotland and Ireland, particularly in the regions of Ulster and Antrim. Many individuals bearing this surname emigrated to North America during periods of economic hardship and political unrest in the 19th and early 20th centuries, contributing to the name's presence in the United States and Canada. Today, descendants of the McNeely family can be found around the world, continuing their ancestral traditions and preserving the legacy of their forebears.
The last name McNeely can be found primarily in the United States, particularly in the states of North Carolina, Texas, and California. Within North Carolina, it is more concentrated around the western part of the state, specifically in the counties of McDowell, Burke, Burke, and Caldwell. Texas also has a notable presence of the McNeely surname, with concentrations in the central and eastern parts of the state, including counties such as Harris, Dallas, and Travis. California has a smaller but still significant population of McNeelys, with pockets found throughout the state, including Los Angeles and San Diego counties. The distribution of the McNeely surname in other countries is less significant, but there are some individuals with this last name in Canada, particularly in the province of Ontario. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name McNeely is primarily centered in the United States, with additional presence in Canada.
The last name "McNeely" has a few variations and spellings that have evolved over time. One of the most common variations is "MacNeely," which follows the traditional Scottish Gaelic spelling of surnames starting with "Mac" meaning "son of." Another variation is "MacNeeley," where the 'l' gets switched with an 'e.' Similarly, "MacNielley" replaces the second 'e' with an 'i'. Some individuals may opt to spell it as "McNeeley," adding an extra 'e' after the 'n'. The spelling "McNelly" is another commonly seen variant of the name, possibly derived from phonetic differences or regional dialects. It is important to note that these variations may have been influenced by migration, language differences, or personal preferences over time. Nevertheless, regardless of the specific spelling or variation, individuals carrying the last name McNeely share a common ancestral heritage originating from Scotland and Ireland.
One notable figure with the last name McNeely is Katie McNeely, a renowned American rock climber who has set numerous records and achieved impressive feats in the sport. She has conquered some of the most challenging walls and peaks across the globe, earning her a reputation as one of the most accomplished climbers of her generation. Another prominent individual is David McNeely, a distinguished American composer and conductor. He has composed a wide range of music, including orchestral works, chamber music, and choral pieces, receiving critical acclaim for his innovative compositions. Furthermore, Christopher McNeely is a well-known writer and journalist recognized for his captivating works in the field of investigative reporting. His writings have shed light on various pressing social issues and have had a significant impact on public discourse. These individuals demonstrate the diverse talents and contributions of people with the last name McNeely in their respective fields.
The surname McNeely has its origins in Ireland and Scotland. It is derived from the Gaelic name Mac an Fhailghigh, which translates to "Son of the Conqueror." The McNeelys were a powerful clan, often associated with military prowess and leadership. There are several variations of the surname, including McNeeley, McNally, and McAnally, which evolved over time as families spread across different regions. Genealogical research on the McNeely surname reveals a rich history of migration and settlement. The earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in Scotland, particularly in the Highland regions. However, many McNeelys later immigrated to Ireland during the Plantation period in the 17th century. They settled primarily in Ulster, where they became prominent landholders and contributed significantly to local communities. Over time, McNeely families further expanded their reach by emigrating to other parts of the world, particularly to North America. Today, their descendants can be found in various countries, contributing to diverse societies while carrying forward the proud heritage of the McNeely name.
Enter the surname you are looking for below:
surnames > mcnall
The last name "McNall" is of Scottish origin. It is a variant of the more common surname "MacNally" or "Mac Neill", derived from the Gaelic personal name "Niall", meaning "champion...
surnames > mcneilage
The last name McNeilage is of Scottish origin. It is believed to be derived from the Gaelic name Mac Conghaile, which translates to "son of Conghal." This surname is commonly found...
surnames > mcnubbeh
The last name "McNubbeh" appears to be of Scottish origin. Many Scottish surnames begin with "Mc" or "Mac," which means "son of" in Gaelic. The specific meaning or history of the s...