The surname "McNiel" is of Scottish origin. It is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac Niall, which means "son of Niall." The name Niall was very popular among the ancient Scottish and Irish kings, making this surname quite common in those regions.
The surname McNiel (or MacNeil) is of Scottish Gaelic origin. It is an Anglicized version of the original Gaelic name Mac Neill or Mac Néill, which means "son of Neil" in English. This name was borne by many prominent clans in Scotland, with one notable branch being the Clan MacNeil of Barra, who trace their ancestry to the Norse-Gaelic King Olaf (Amlaíb) and his son Neil (Niall) of the Isles. The McNiel/MacNeil surname spread throughout Scotland and was later carried by Scottish immigrants to Ireland, the British Isles, North America, and other parts of the world during various historical migrations. Today, it remains a common name among the Scottish diaspora.
The McNiel surname is predominantly found in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada. According to data from FamilyEducation.com, the highest concentrations of the McNiel family are in the states of Texas, California, and North Carolina, as well as the province of Ontario in Canada. The name appears to have originated from Scotland, with early McNiels settling in Ulster during the Plantation of Ulster in the 17th century, before migrating to America. Other significant populations can be found in states like Virginia and Pennsylvania, reflecting the historical migration patterns of Scottish and Irish immigrants to the New World. In recent times, the diaspora has also extended to other parts of the world, such as Australia and South Africa, due to modern-day migration trends.
The surname McNiel (or MacNiel) has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription, regional pronunciation, and genealogical records. Some common spelling variations include MacNeil, MacNealle, MacNeale, MacNeill, MacNeley, MacNeely, and MacNoel. Additionally, there may be slight differences based on the country or region where the family originated, such as McNeale (Ireland), MacNeile (Scotland), or McNeal (United States). It is important to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate a different ancestry; rather, they reflect historical changes in spelling and pronunciation over time. Ultimately, the choice of how to spell the name is a matter of personal preference.
One of the most notable individuals with the surname McNeil is Donnie McClurkin McNeil, an American gospel musician, songwriter, and pastor. He has won multiple Grammy Awards and Stellar Awards for his inspirational music. Another prominent figure is John McNeil, a jazz trumpeter who was born in Philadelphia and studied at the Juilliard School. McNeil is a respected educator and performer in the jazz world, having performed with artists like Dizzy Gillespie, Gerry Mulligan, and Benny Goodman. In the realm of sports, Jeff McNeil is a professional baseball player currently playing for the New York Mets. Known for his versatility, he was named to the 2019 National League All-Star Team. Lastly, mention should be made of Patricia McNeill-Clark, a Canadian writer and journalist who won the Governor General's Award for English Language Non-Fiction in 2003 for her work "The Colour of Their Skin: Racial Difference in Canadian Literature". Each of these individuals has made significant contributions in their respective fields.
The McNiel surname is believed to have originated from Scotland and Ireland. Variations of this name include MacNeil, MacNeill, and McNeill, all stemming from the Gaelic Mac Fhionnlaigh, meaning "son of Finlay." The clan was originally based on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, where they were powerful chieftains. Over time, members of the clan migrated to Ireland and later to Ulster, contributing to both Irish and Scottish influences in Northern Ireland. From there, some McNiel families immigrated to North America during the 18th and 19th centuries, primarily settling in the British colonies along the east coast of what is now the United States. The McNiel lineage can be traced back to Scotland, Ireland, and eventually to Europe, reflecting a rich and diverse history.
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surnames > mcnall
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