McNeill Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname McNeill come from? What does the surname McNeill mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name McNeill and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname McNeill Origin: What does the last name McNeill mean?
The surname McNeill is of Scottish and Irish origin, often associated with the islands of Gigha and Colonsay. It is considered a sub-sept of Clan MacNeill, historically linked to the island of Barra in the outer Hebrides. The Gaelic patronymic meaning of McNeill is 'Son of Neil', with Neil deriving from the Irish Niall, possibly meaning "champion". The name has a long history, with roots dating back to Niall of the Nine Hostages, an Irish king and ancestor of the Uí Néill and MacNeil kindred.
YourRoots data indicates that the surname McNeill first appeared in Scottish records around the early 15th century, remaining closely tied to Scotland until the 18th century. Over time, the name spread globally, with significant records found in the United States by the 20th century. Today, the McNeill surname is prominent in various countries, including Scotland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, showcasing its enduring presence and widespread distribution across different regions.
McNeill Last Name History: Where did the last name McNeill come from?
Origin of Mcneill Surname: Where does the last name Mcneill originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Mcneill first appeared in records from Scotland around the early 15th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Mcneill spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Mcneill: What does the Mcneill surname history look like in the early days?
The Mcneill surname remained closely associated with Scotland from the 15th to the 18th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Mcneill family records in countries like the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Mcneill surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Mcneill surname grew significantly in the United States. The Mcneill surname remains prominent in the United States. It appears in many countries, including Scotland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Explore McNeill last name heritage and McNeill surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With McNeill Surame?
Robert Duncan McNeill
Robert Duncan McNeill (November 9, 1964 - ) is an American director, producer, and actor best known for his role as Lieutenant Tom Paris on the television series Star Trek: Voyager. He has also directed and produced episodes of popular TV series like Chuck, Resident Alien, The Gifted, and Turner & Hooch. McNeill started his career in acting before transitioning into directing, showcasing his talent behind the camera on shows like Dawson's Creek, The O.C., and Supernatural. He also co-hosts the podcast The Delta Flyers, where he discusses episodes of Star Trek: Voyager with his co-star Garrett Wang.
Billy McNeill
William McNeill (2 Mar 1940 - 22 Apr 2019) was a Scottish football player and manager, known for his long association with Celtic. He captained the 'Lisbon Lions' to their European Cup victory in 1967 and later managed the club, winning 31 major trophies. McNeill set records for most appearances and led Celtic to nine consecutive Scottish league championships. His iconic statue outside Celtic Park commemorates his achievements.
Alim McNeill
Alim Rashad McNeill (May 11, 2000 - ) is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions of the NFL. He played college football for the NC State Wolfpack and was drafted by the Lions in 2021. McNeill made a name for himself with his impressive tackles, sacks, and overall performance on the field. His standout plays have earned him recognition as a rising star in the league, with a bright future ahead of him in the world of professional football.
Graham McNeill
Graham McNeill is a British novelist and video game writer known for his work in the Warhammer Fantasy and Warhammer 40,000 franchises. He has written numerous novels and contributed to the development of codexes for Games Workshop, including popular titles like "False Gods" and "A Thousand Sons." McNeill also ventured into other universes, such as Blizzard Entertainment's StarCraft, with the novel "I, Mengsk." His storytelling abilities have earned him a strong following among fans of science fiction and fantasy literature.
Tara McNeill
Tara Louise McNeill (born May 27, 1990) is an Irish violinist, harpist, and soprano singer known for her work with the musical ensemble Celtic Woman. Growing up in Antrim, Northern Ireland, McNeill showed musical talent from a young age, eventually earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music Teaching and Performance. She joined Celtic Woman in 2016, taking over as a principal member and contributing to albums like "Voices of Angels" and "Ancient Land." McNeill has toured internationally and collaborated with renowned artists, solidifying her reputation as a versatile and accomplished musician.
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