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Sign up freeMcNeill Family Genealogy & History
Discover the Global Legacy of the McNeill Surname
The McNeill surname, with its roots in both Scotland and Ireland, is steeped in rich history and cultural significance. Derived from the Gaelic patronymic meaning 'Son of Neil', the name traces back to the islands of Gigha and Colonsay and is considered a sub-sept of Clan MacNeill, historically linked to the island of Barra in the Outer Hebrides. The name Neil, or Neill, itself is derived from the Irish Niall, which may mean "cloud", "passionate", "victory", "honour", or "champion". As a surname, Neil is often associated with the legendary Irish king, Niall of the Nine Hostages, who is considered an eponymous ancestor of the Uí Néill and MacNeil kindred. This deep historical context provides a fascinating backdrop for those interested in the McNeill family tree.
Throughout the centuries, the McNeill name evolved and spread geographically, mirroring the movements of its bearers. By the 17th century, McNeill families were well-established in various regions of Scotland, contributing to the rich tapestry of Scottish genealogy. As time progressed, many McNeills migrated from Scotland, most notably to North America by the 18th century. This migration marked the beginning of the McNeill name's expansion across the Atlantic, where it would become integrated into the fabric of American society. This geographic spread highlights the resilience and adaptability of the McNeill lineage, as families settled in new lands and formed new identities.
YourRoots data enriches our understanding of the McNeill genealogy by tracing its origins back to Scotland during a pivotal era for the region. This early mention of the McNeill surname in historical records marks the beginning of a lineage that has evolved and expanded over the centuries. By the 19th century, McNeills had established themselves prominently in the United States, reflecting broader migration patterns of the time. The YourRoots dataset confirms and complements the historical context, providing a foundation for genealogical exploration that connects descendants to their ancestral beginnings in Scotland.
For genealogy enthusiasts and family-tree researchers, the YourRoots data reveals a dynamic narrative of the McNeill family. It underscores the global distribution of the McNeill surname throughout the centuries, offering rich material for those tracing their ancestry. With McNeill records available today, individuals can delve into their heritage, uncovering connections that span continents and centuries.
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RMRuby Adair McneillBirth: 1902 – 1968 AlabamaDeath: 1902 – 1968 Montgomery, Montgomery, AlabamaFather: Montegue Nebue 'Montie' McNeillMother: Pearla Ruby WilliamsReliability Score: BRMRuby Adair McneillBirth: 1902 – 1968 AlabamaDeath: 1902 – 1968 Montgomery, Montgomery, AlabamaFather: Montegue Nebue 'Montie' McNeillMother: Pearla Ruby WilliamsReliability Score: B
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MMMargaret McNeillBirth: 1765 – 1829 Gigha and Cara, Argyll, ScotlandDeath: 1765 – 1829 Ardmeanish, Gigha, Argyll, ScotlandFather: John McNeillMother: Margaret CampbellReliability Score: CMMMargaret McNeillBirth: 1765 – 1829 Gigha and Cara, Argyll, ScotlandDeath: 1765 – 1829 Ardmeanish, Gigha, Argyll, ScotlandFather: John McNeillMother: Margaret CampbellReliability Score: C
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GMGeorge Hanibal McneillBirth: 1906 – 1967 AlabamaDeath: 1906 – 1967 Foley, Baldwin, AlabamaFather: Montegue Nebue 'Montie' McNeillMother: Pearla Ruby WilliamsReliability Score: BGMGeorge Hanibal McneillBirth: 1906 – 1967 AlabamaDeath: 1906 – 1967 Foley, Baldwin, AlabamaFather: Montegue Nebue 'Montie' McNeillMother: Pearla Ruby WilliamsReliability Score: B
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CMCarney L McNeillBirth: 1869 – 1922 AlabamaDeath: 1869 – 1922 Tuscaloosa, AlabamaFather: James Hannibal McNeillMother: Elizabeth McNEILL ShaverReliability Score: BCMCarney L McNeillBirth: 1869 – 1922 AlabamaDeath: 1869 – 1922 Tuscaloosa, AlabamaFather: James Hannibal McNeillMother: Elizabeth McNEILL ShaverReliability Score: B
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HMHenry Hanable McNeillBirth: 1874 – 1940 Montgomery, Montgomery, Alabama, United StatesDeath: 1874 – 1940 Montgomery, Montgomery, AlabamaFather: James Hannibal McNeillMother: Elizabeth McNEILL ShaverReliability Score: BHMHenry Hanable McNeillBirth: 1874 – 1940 Montgomery, Montgomery, Alabama, United StatesDeath: 1874 – 1940 Montgomery, Montgomery, AlabamaFather: James Hannibal McNeillMother: Elizabeth McNEILL ShaverReliability Score: B
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JMJoe Michael McNeillBirth: 1943 – 2021 Duncan, Stephens, Oklahoma, USADeath: 1943 – 2021 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Oklahoma, USAFather: Ross McNeillMother: Margaret Eunice WalkerReliability Score: BJMJoe Michael McNeillBirth: 1943 – 2021 Duncan, Stephens, Oklahoma, USADeath: 1943 – 2021 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Oklahoma, USAFather: Ross McNeillMother: Margaret Eunice WalkerReliability Score: B
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MMMyrl Pearla McneillBirth: 1909 – 1949 TexasDeath: 1909 – 1949 Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa, AlabamaFather: Montegue Nebue 'Montie' McNeillMother: Pearla Ruby WilliamsReliability Score: BMMMyrl Pearla McneillBirth: 1909 – 1949 TexasDeath: 1909 – 1949 Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa, AlabamaFather: Montegue Nebue 'Montie' McNeillMother: Pearla Ruby WilliamsReliability Score: B
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SMSarah McNeillBirth: 1788 – 1819 Richmond, NCDeath: 1788 – 1819 Montgomery, GAFather: John Cunning McNeillMother: Flora BlackReliability Score: BSMSarah McNeillBirth: 1788 – 1819 Richmond, NCDeath: 1788 – 1819 Montgomery, GAFather: John Cunning McNeillMother: Flora BlackReliability Score: B
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MMMary Elizabeth McNeillBirth: 1862 – 1946 AlabamaDeath: 1862 – 1946 Ozark, Dale, Alabama, USAFather: Neal E McNealMother: Sarah Elizabeth AycockReliability Score: CMMMary Elizabeth McNeillBirth: 1862 – 1946 AlabamaDeath: 1862 – 1946 Ozark, Dale, Alabama, USAFather: Neal E McNealMother: Sarah Elizabeth AycockReliability Score: C
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BMBerry Anderson McNeillBirth: 1857 – 1953 Newton, Dale, Alabama, USADeath: 1857 – 1953 Slocomb, Geneva, Alabama, USAFather: Neal E McNealMother: Sarah Elizabeth AycockReliability Score: CBMBerry Anderson McNeillBirth: 1857 – 1953 Newton, Dale, Alabama, USADeath: 1857 – 1953 Slocomb, Geneva, Alabama, USAFather: Neal E McNealMother: Sarah Elizabeth AycockReliability Score: C
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WMWiley Iverson McNeillBirth: 1853 – 1943 Georgia, United StatesDeath: 1853 – 1943 Ashford, Houston, Alabama, United StatesFather: Neal E McNealMother: Sarah Elizabeth AycockReliability Score: CWMWiley Iverson McNeillBirth: 1853 – 1943 Georgia, United StatesDeath: 1853 – 1943 Ashford, Houston, Alabama, United StatesFather: Neal E McNealMother: Sarah Elizabeth AycockReliability Score: C
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RMRalph Lee McNeillBirth: 1940 – 2007 Ardmore, Carter County, Oklahoma, USADeath: 1940 – 2007 Oklahoma, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, USAFather: Ross McNeillMother: Margaret Eunice WalkerReliability Score: ARMRalph Lee McNeillBirth: 1940 – 2007 Ardmore, Carter County, Oklahoma, USADeath: 1940 – 2007 Oklahoma, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, USAFather: Ross McNeillMother: Margaret Eunice WalkerReliability Score: A
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JMJohn Cunning McNeillBirth: 1745 – 1809 Cumberland Cty, NCDeath: 1745 – 1809 Cumberland Cty, NCFather: Archibald McNeillMother: Janet SmithReliability Score: CJMJohn Cunning McNeillBirth: 1745 – 1809 Cumberland Cty, NCDeath: 1745 – 1809 Cumberland Cty, NCFather: Archibald McNeillMother: Janet SmithReliability Score: C
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LMLachlan Buie McNeillBirth: 1611 – 1695 Losset House, Machrihanish, Arygll, ScotlandDeath: 1611 – 1695 Lossit House, Machrihanish, Arygll, ScotlandFather: Neill 11GGF Og Barra MacNeillMother: Rose West StewartReliability Score: CLMLachlan Buie McNeillBirth: 1611 – 1695 Losset House, Machrihanish, Arygll, ScotlandDeath: 1611 – 1695 Lossit House, Machrihanish, Arygll, ScotlandFather: Neill 11GGF Og Barra MacNeillMother: Rose West StewartReliability Score: C
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BMBarbara McNeillBirth: 1761 – 1816 Campbeltown,Argyll,ScotlandDeath: 1761 – 1816 Isle of Gigha, Argyll, Scotland, UKFather: John McNeillMother: Margaret CampbellReliability Score: CBMBarbara McNeillBirth: 1761 – 1816 Campbeltown,Argyll,ScotlandDeath: 1761 – 1816 Isle of Gigha, Argyll, Scotland, UKFather: John McNeillMother: Margaret CampbellReliability Score: C
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MMMontegue Nebue 'Montie' McNeillBirth: 1871 – 1942 Montgomery, Montgomery, Alabama, United StatesDeath: 1871 – 1942 Montgomery, Montgomery, AlabamaFather: James Hannibal McNeillMother: Elizabeth McNEILL ShaverReliability Score: AMMMontegue Nebue 'Montie' McNeillBirth: 1871 – 1942 Montgomery, Montgomery, Alabama, United StatesDeath: 1871 – 1942 Montgomery, Montgomery, AlabamaFather: James Hannibal McNeillMother: Elizabeth McNEILL ShaverReliability Score: A
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JMJames H McNeillBirth: 1816 – 1884 North Carolina, USA (1850 says AL, 1860 Census says GA)Death: 1816 – 1884 Union Chapel, Walker, Alabama, USAFather: James A McNeillMother: Jane MCNEIL SmilieReliability Score: AJMJames H McNeillBirth: 1816 – 1884 North Carolina, USA (1850 says AL, 1860 Census says GA)Death: 1816 – 1884 Union Chapel, Walker, Alabama, USAFather: James A McNeillMother: Jane MCNEIL SmilieReliability Score: A
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JMJames Hannibal McNeillBirth: 1844 – 1908 Montgomery, Alabama, USADeath: 1844 – 1908 Montgomery County, Alabama, USAFather: James H McNeillMother: Eliza MCNEIL BarnettReliability Score: AJMJames Hannibal McNeillBirth: 1844 – 1908 Montgomery, Alabama, USADeath: 1844 – 1908 Montgomery County, Alabama, USAFather: James H McNeillMother: Eliza MCNEIL BarnettReliability Score: A
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MMMargaret McNeillBirth: 1758 – 1829 Cumberland County, North Carolina, USADeath: 1758 – 1829 Cumberland County, North Carolina, USAFather: Archibald McNeillMother: Janet SmithReliability Score: BMMMargaret McNeillBirth: 1758 – 1829 Cumberland County, North Carolina, USADeath: 1758 – 1829 Cumberland County, North Carolina, USAFather: Archibald McNeillMother: Janet SmithReliability Score: B
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DMDaniel McneillBirth: 1753 – 1829 Londonderry, Rockingham, New Hampshire, United StatesDeath: 1753 – 1829 Meadville, Crawford, Pennsylvania, United StatesFather: William McneillMother: Clarissa Martha BoyesReliability Score: CDMDaniel McneillBirth: 1753 – 1829 Londonderry, Rockingham, New Hampshire, United StatesDeath: 1753 – 1829 Meadville, Crawford, Pennsylvania, United StatesFather: William McneillMother: Clarissa Martha BoyesReliability Score: C
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Tracing Your McNeill Family Lineage
Origin of the Mcneill Family: Where does the Mcneill surname come from?
The Mcneill surname has its roots in Scotland, where it first appeared in historical records during a significant period for the region. This early mention marks the beginning of the Mcneill family tree, hinting at a lineage that would evolve and expand over the centuries. It serves as a foundation for genealogical exploration, connecting descendants to their ancestral beginnings in the rugged landscapes of Scotland.
Genealogy and Early Family History of Mcneill
In the early centuries, the Mcneill family primarily flourished in Scotland, where their presence became increasingly notable. During this time, various branches of the Mcneill family began to establish themselves in key regions throughout Scotland, contributing to the rich tapestry of Scottish genealogy. These families likely formed connections through marriage, landholding, and local governance, creating a network that would support the growth of their family trees.
By the time of the 17th century, the Mcneill surname had become firmly entrenched in Scottish society, with numerous lines branching out and establishing their own identities. This expansion not only solidified their presence in Scotland but also set the stage for future migrations and developments that would further diversify the Mcneill lineage. As families grew and spread, the Mcneill name became synonymous with resilience and adaptability in the face of changing circumstances.
Tracing the Mcneill Family Tree Through the Centuries
The evolution of the Mcneill surname can be traced through centuries of migration and expansion across various regions. By the 18th century, many Mcneill families had begun to leave Scotland, establishing themselves in new lands, particularly in North America, where they would flourish in the following centuries. This period saw the Mcneill name spread across the Atlantic, connecting it to a wider global narrative of family history.
As the family continued to grow, the 19th century marked a significant era of transformation, with many Mcneills settling in the United States and contributing to the fabric of American society. Their presence became increasingly prominent in various states, reflecting the broader patterns of migration and settlement during this time. The global spread of the Mcneill surname throughout numerous countries illustrates the dynamic nature of their genealogy and family history.
Where to Find Mcneill Genealogy Records Today
In the modern centuries, the Mcneill surname has established a notable presence across diverse regions, particularly in the United States. The 20th and 21st centuries have seen continued growth and integration of Mcneill families into various communities, further enriching their genealogical legacy. Readers interested in uncovering their own Mcneill heritage are encouraged to explore the records available in the
Famous People with McNeill (and Their Family Tree)
Robert Duncan McNeill
Robert Duncan McNeill, born November 9, 1964, is a renowned American director, producer, and actor, best known for his role as Lieutenant Tom Paris on "Star Trek: Voyager." He has also contributed significantly as an executive producer and director for popular series like "Chuck," "Resident Alien," and "Turner & Hooch." McNeill began his acting career in Atlanta and gained early success with roles in "All My Children" and "Masters of the Universe." Transitioning to directing, he has helmed episodes for numerous TV series, including "Dawson's Creek," "Desperate Housewives," and "The Orville." In 2020, he launched "The Delta Flyers" podcast, discussing "Voyager" episodes with co-star Garrett Wang.
McNeill and his first wife, Carol, share three children. Notably, he directed his daughter, Taylor, in the series "Summerland." His son, Kyle, is a singer-songwriter. In 2021, McNeill married Rebecca Jayne Sims in Vancouver, Canada.
Billy McNeill
Billy McNeill, a legendary Scottish football figure, is best known for his remarkable association with Celtic, where he served as a player, manager, and club ambassador for over 60 years. As captain of the iconic 'Lisbon Lions,' McNeill led Celtic to victory in the 1967 European Cup, marking the first triumph for a British club in the competition. During his playing career, he made a record 822 appearances for Celtic, winning 31 major trophies. Additionally, McNeill managed Celtic, Aberdeen, Clyde, Manchester City, and Aston Villa, further solidifying his legacy in the football world.
Born on 2 March 1940 in Bellshill, Lanarkshire, McNeill's early life was influenced by his father, a soldier in the Black Watch and later in the Army Physical Training Corps. This military background saw McNeill spending part of his childhood in Hereford, England, before moving to Motherwell, where his football talents flourished.
Alim McNeill
Alim McNeill is a prominent American football defensive tackle, currently playing for the Detroit Lions in the NFL. Born on May 11, 2000, McNeill gained recognition for his impressive college football career at NC State, where he earned All-American honors. Drafted 72nd overall in the 2021 NFL draft, McNeill quickly became a key player for the Lions, securing a starting position by the 2023 season. Known for his defensive prowess, he recorded multiple career highlights including multi-sack games and a significant contract extension in 2024. Despite setbacks like a knee injury and an ACL tear, McNeill remains a crucial asset to the Lions' defensive lineup.
Graham McNeill
Graham McNeill is a renowned British novelist and video game writer, celebrated for his contributions to Warhammer Fantasy and Warhammer 40,000 novels. Starting his career at Games Workshop in 2000, McNeill made significant impacts as a games designer and staff writer, contributing to various Warhammer 40,000 codexes, including Tau and Necrons. His acclaimed works include major titles in The Black Library's Horus Heresy series and the novel I, Mengsk set in the StarCraft universe. McNeill has also crafted engaging narratives for the League of Legends universe during his tenure at Riot Games, focusing on the lore of Demacia.
Tara McNeill
Tara McNeill, an accomplished Irish violinist, harpist, and soprano singer from Antrim, Northern Ireland, has made significant contributions to the music world. Known for her role as a principal member of the renowned ensemble Celtic Woman, McNeill has performed globally in prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall. Her notable career highlights include touring with Anúna, performing alongside artists like Bono and Josh Groban, and earning accolades such as the Leo Gibney Award and a Grammy nomination for Best World Music Album with Celtic Woman's "Destiny." McNeill's discography features albums like "Celtic Woman: Voices of Angels" and her solo project "Across the Atlantic."
McNeill Surname Meaning, Origin, and History
The surname "McNeill" is of Scottish and Irish origin, closely linked to the islands of Gigha and Colonsay, and is a sub-sept of Clan MacNeill, historically associated with Barra in the Outer Hebrides. It derives from the Gaelic patronymic meaning 'Son of Neil', with Neil or Neill tracing back to the Irish name Niall, which is believed to mean "champion" among other interpretations.
VIEW MOREWhere to Find Genealogy Records for McNeill
We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the McNeill family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the McNeill surname to learn more.
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