All about the name

Mcneal

Male

« McNeal is a rare Scottish given name derived from the Gaelic surname MacNiall, meaning "son of Niall," a 9th-century Irish High King. »

#22588 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

McNeal is a unique and distinctive given name of Scottish origin. It is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic surname MacNiall, which means "son of Niall." Niall was a High King of Ireland in the 9th century, and his descendants are known as the Uí Néill dynasty. The McNeal surname has a rich history in Scotland. It is believed to have originated in the Highlands, particularly in the counties of Inverness-shire and Ross-shire. The clan McNeal was one of many Highland clans that played significant roles in Scottish history, including participating in the Jacobite uprisings of the 18th century. The name McNeal has also been associated with notable figures throughout history. One such figure is John McNeal Cairn, a Scottish-American soldier who fought in the American Civil War and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery at the Battle of Antietam. Today, McNeal remains a rare but distinctive given name, often chosen by parents seeking a unique and meaningful name for their child. While it may not be as widely recognized as some other Scottish names, such as Campbell or Stewart, those who bear the name McNeal carry with them a proud history and heritage that stretches back centuries.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Mcneal since 1880

Total births
43
Total since 1880
Peak year
1920
7 births
in 1952
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years