Neel Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Neel come from? What does the surname Neel mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Neel and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Neel Origin: What does the last name Neel mean?
The surname Neel is of French origin, first appearing in records from France around the early 16th century. It started growing significantly in Jersey in the 17th century and saw substantial increases in the United States from the 18th to the 19th century. By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Neel surname grew significantly in the United States, where it remains prominent today.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Neel surname in France since the 16th century, with notable growth in the United States in later centuries. The surname has a strong historical presence in these regions and continues to be widely recognized in the United States, reflecting a rich heritage that has evolved over time.
Neel Last Name History: Where did the last name Neel come from?
Origin of Neel Surname: Where does the last name Neel originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Neel first appeared in records from France around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Neel spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Neel: What does the Neel surname history look like in the early days?
The Neel surname started growing significantly in Jersey in the 17th century, followed by substantial increases in the United States from the 18th to the 19th century.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Neel surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Neel surname grew significantly in the United States. The Neel surname remains prominent in the United States.
Explore Neel last name heritage and Neel surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Neel Surame?
Prashanth Neel
Prashanth Neelakantapuram (born June 4, 1980) is an Indian film director known as Prashanth Neel. He gained fame for directing the KGF duology, with the second part becoming the highest-grossing Kannada film ever. Neel also directed the Telugu film Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire and has upcoming projects with top actors in the industry. With a strong background in action films, Neel's work is influenced by Telugu mass films, particularly those of Chiranjeevi. He continues to make a mark in the South Indian film industry and is a rising star in the world of Indian cinema.
Alice Neel
Alice Hartley Neel (Jan 28, 1900 – Oct 13, 1984) was an American visual artist known for her expressive and emotional portraits. She defied artistic trends by focusing on figurative painting during the rise of abstraction in the 20th century. Neel's work challenges traditional depictions of women, portraying them through a female gaze. Her career spanned from the 1920s to the 1980s, gaining critical acclaim in the 1960s. Despite personal hardships, including the loss of her daughter, Neel's art explores themes of motherhood, loss, and anxiety. She is regarded as one of the greatest American portraitists of her time.
Ingrid Neel
Ingrid Neel (born June 16, 1998) is an American-Estonian professional tennis player known for her success in doubles. She has won several titles on the WTA Tour and ITF Circuit, reaching a career-high ranking of No. 33 in doubles. Neel made her mark in college tennis, clinching championship-winning matches for the University of Florida. With a strong background in the sport, she continues to make waves in the tennis world with her impressive performances on the court.
Roy Neel
Roy M. Neel (born 1948/1949) is a Democratic Party operative known for his roles as a top assistant to Vice President Al Gore and President Bill Clinton. Neel's career spans from serving in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War to managing political campaigns and working as Chief of Staff in the White House. He has also been involved in advocacy for climate change and teaches political science at Vanderbilt University. Neel's extensive experience in politics and public service has made him a key figure in shaping American policy and leadership.
Troy Neel
Troy Lee Neel (born Sep 14, 1965) is a former American professional baseball player known for his time in Major League Baseball (MLB) and Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) in Japan. Starting with the Oakland Athletics, Neel played as a first baseman and designated hitter, showcasing his power with home runs and solid batting averages. He later moved to Japan, where he found success with the Orix BlueWave and became the Most Valuable Player in the 1996 Japan Series. Despite his baseball achievements, Neel faced controversy for evading child support payments, leading to legal issues in the United States.
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