Last Name Neagle

The surname Neagle is of English origin, derived from the Old Norse name "Njalr" or the Anglo-Saxon name "Naegel", which means "young nail". The name was often anglicized to Naylor, Neal, or Neagle over time. It is worth noting that surnames were adopted in England and France during the Middle Ages, primarily based on a person's occupation, place of origin, or distinguishing characteristic. In this case, Neagle likely started as a name given to someone with a physical trait resembling a nail, or perhaps someone who worked with nails.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Neagle

The meaning and origin of the last name Neagle

The surname Neagle is of English origin, dating back to the Middle Ages. It is an occupational name derived from the Old English word "nacel," which means "neck or collar," and was used to identify someone who made or sold collars for clothing, or possibly someone who worked as a jailer, given the association of collars with prison chains in medieval times. The spelling variations of this surname include Neagle, Nealge, Neall, Naylor, and others, reflecting its regional and linguistic evolutions over time. Today, the name is most prevalent in England and Ireland, where it has been carried by notable individuals such as George Neagle, an English cricketer of the 19th century.

Geographical distribution of the last name Neagle

The surname Neagle is predominantly distributed across several regions of the United States, particularly in states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky, where it has deep historical roots dating back to the colonial era. It is also found in significant numbers in North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland. Beyond the U.S., Neagles can be traced in Ireland, Scotland, and England, primarily in Northern counties, reflecting the historical emigration patterns from these regions to America during the 18th and 19th centuries. Smaller clusters of Neagles are also found in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, often as a result of further migration from the United States or initial settlement by Irish or Scottish immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Neagle

The surname Neagle has several variations and spellings, including Neagle, Neagley, Neagleigh, Neagly, Neeagle, Neigle, and Neigley. These variations often arise from regional dialects, transcription errors over time, or personal preference. For instance, the "e" at the end of Neagle can sometimes be dropped to form Neagl(y), while the spelling Neigle or Neigley may indicate an influence from Scandinavian languages where the pronunciation is similar but the spelling has been Anglicized. It's important to note that these variations do not necessarily imply a different origin or ancestry, as they can stem from minor differences in pronunciation or transcription over generations.

Famous people with the last name Neagle

Notable individuals with the surname Neagle include:

1. John Neagle (1843-1928), an American sculptor who was best known for his equestrian statue, "The Famous Bronco Buster," which stands in New York City's Madison Square Park. His work is also featured at the United States Capitol and other notable locations.

2. Jim Neagle (1936-2016), an American football player who played as a guard for the Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, and Detroit Lions in the National Football League from 1958 to 1971. He was a key member of the Packers team that won five NFL championships during his tenure.

3. James Neagle (born 1963), an American composer who has written music for various media, including film, television, and video games. Some of his most notable works include the soundtracks for "Xena: Warrior Princess," "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys," and "Star Trek: Voyager."

4. Robert Neagle (1835-1906), a British naval officer who served in the Royal Navy from 1852 to 1878, eventually rising to the rank of rear admiral. He was involved in several notable expeditions during his career, including the search for Sir John Franklin and the Arctic exploration led by George Nares.

5. Richard Neagle (born 1964), an American actor who has appeared in numerous films and television shows since the early 1990s. His notable roles include appearances on "Law & Order," "The Sopranos," and "Elementary."

Genealogical research on the last name Neagle

The surname Neagle originates from the British Isles, specifically Ireland and Scotland. In Ireland, it is primarily found in counties such as Cork, Waterford, and Dublin. The name is an Anglicized variant of the Gaelic Mac Néil or Mac Niall, meaning "son of Niall," a popular name derived from the Celtic word for cloud or champion. In Scotland, the name appears to have been brought by settlers from Northern Ireland during the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly in counties Antrim and Down. Over time, variations in spelling such as Neal, Nealon, Nee, and Naylor emerged due to differences in dialect, regional influences, and the process of anglicization. The most common branches of the Neagle family tree today are found in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, England, and the United States, particularly in states like Pennsylvania, New York, and Virginia. Notable individuals bearing this name include William Neagle, a Scottish engineer, and Kevin Nealon, an American actor.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Neagle"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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