MacNeil Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname MacNeil come from? What does the surname MacNeil mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name MacNeil and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname MacNeil Origin: What does the last name MacNeil mean?
The surname MacNeil has a Scottish origin and is associated with Clan MacNeil. It can have various spellings and meanings. According to YourRoots data, the Macneil surname first appeared in records from Scotland around 1201. The surname started growing significantly in Scotland and later spread globally to countries like Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. By the 20th century, the Macneil surname became prominent in Canada and remains so to this day.
MacNeil Last Name History: Where did the last name MacNeil come from?
Origin of Macneil Surname: Where does the last name Macneil originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Macneil first appeared in records from Scotland (United Kingdom) during the 1201.0. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Macneil spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Macneil: What does the Macneil surname history look like in the early days?
The Macneil surname started growing significantly in Scotland (United Kingdom) from the 1201.0. YourRoots data also shows Macneil family records in countries like Canada, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Macneil surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Macneil surname grew significantly in Canada. The Macneil surname remains prominent in Canada. It appears in many countries, including the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.
Explore MacNeil last name heritage and MacNeil surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With MacNeil Surame?
Regan MacNeil
Regan Teresa MacNeil (April 6, 1959) is a fictional character from the novel "The Exorcist" and its film adaptations. She is a young girl caught in a terrifying battle against possession by the demon Pazuzu. Portrayed by Linda Blair, Regan's story of struggle and strength has captivated audiences for decades, making her a prominent figure in the horror genre.
Rita MacNeil
Rita Eileen MacNeil (May 28, 1944 – April 16, 2013) was a Canadian singer and songwriter known for her hit song "Flying On Your Own". She achieved success in both the country and adult contemporary music charts, becoming the bestselling country artist in Canada in 1990. MacNeil received numerous awards throughout her career, including three Juno Awards and was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. Despite facing personal challenges, she persevered and left a lasting impact on the music industry. Her legacy continues to be celebrated, with her posthumous induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2021.
Laine MacNeil
Laine MacNeil (October 28, 1996 - ) is a Canadian actress best known for her role as Patty Farrell in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid film franchise. Starting her career at a young age, MacNeil has received multiple Young Artist Award nominations and wins for her performances. Outside of acting, she also works as a fitness coach at The Dailey Method. With a strong presence in both TV and film, MacNeil continues to showcase her talent and versatility in various roles.
Wade MacNeil
Wade MacNeil (born May 5, 1984) is a Canadian musician known for his roles as lead guitarist and vocalist in bands like Alexisonfire, Gallows, and Black Lungs. He has collaborated with various artists and even dabbled in radio hosting and film scoring. MacNeil's diverse musical projects showcase his talent and creativity across different genres, making him a versatile figure in the music industry.
Robert MacNeil
Robert Breckenridge Ware MacNeil (January 19, 1931 – April 12, 2024) was a Canadian-American journalist and television news anchor. He co-created the iconic PBS NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, covering significant events like the Senate Watergate hearings. MacNeil's career spanned from reporting on President Kennedy's visit to Dallas to hosting the PBS series "America at a Crossroads." He also portrayed the Player King in a modern adaptation of Hamlet. Known for his passion for language, MacNeil produced "The Story of English" series. A naturalized American citizen and Order of Canada officer, MacNeil passed away at 93.
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