Surname Neil - Meaning and Origin
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Discovering Identity through iGENEA DNA Test: A Personal Journey into the History of the Surname 'Neil'
After taking the iGENEA DNA test, the newly gained knowledge about the origins and history associated with my surname, 'Neil', transformed my understanding of my family identity. The influences of Celtic culture, historical connections to great Celtic clans, and the realization of ancestral bravery have reshaped my identity and fueled a sense of pride in my heritage. My family name ‘Neil’ now represents qualities of courage, resilience, and leadership to me, linking my present to a historically rich past.
E. Neil
read moreNeil: What does the surname Neil mean?
The surname Neil originates from the Old Gaelic Irish name, Ó Néill, meaning "descendant of Niall." It derives from the personal name "Niall", which probably means "cloud", "passionate" or "champion." The Neil family history dates back to ancient Celtic culture in Ireland, where the clan held a family seat from ancient times. Though it has different variations of spellings including Neill, O'Neill, Neild, and others, each version ultimately translates to be of similar meanings. The name is widespread in Ireland, particularly in Ulster, and Scotland, especially in the Inner Hebrides and Isle of Skye. Today, Neil is a common first name and surname in many English-speaking countries.
Order DNA origin analysisNeil: Where does the name Neil come from?
The last name Neil is of Irish origin, deriving from the Gaelic name "O'Neill" which means "descendant of Niall". Niall is a personal name that most likely means "champion". There are variants of the surname like Neill, Nihill, Nihill, and Neale among others and they are mainly found in Northern Ireland today.
The surname also has a connection to Scotland where the Gaelic form Niall was Anglicized to Neil. A famous Scottish clan, Clan MacNeil, has ties to this surname.
Geographically, it is particularly concentrated in Northern Ireland, especially in Antrim, Derry, and Down. In general, it is common throughout Ireland, Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada due to the Irish diaspora.
In summary, Neil is a last name commonly found in regions with significant Irish and Scottish ancestry.
Variations of the surname Neil
The surname Neil, commonly used in the British Isles, has several variants and spellings including Neill, O'Neill, Neal, Neale, Niall, Niell, and Niel. It is believed to have originated from the Gaelic name Niall, which means "champion". This was later anglicized into Neil.
The O'Neill surname is often associated with Ireland, referencing to descendants of Niall, a historical King of Ireland. It is one of the most popular Irish surnames.
Neal and Neale are variations thought to have originated from both Ireland and England. The similar surname, "Niall", remains popular in Scotland, rooted from their own historical figures named Niall.
The variations Neill and Niell are also noted, with Scottish and Irish origins respectively.
While spelling and pronunciation may differ slightly across these names, they are believed to have common roots in naming traditions from the British Isles. The use of these different variants typically aligns with geographical and historical influences in Ireland, Scotland, and England.
Famous people with the name Neil
- Neil Armstrong: Neil Armstrong was an American astronaut and the first person to walk on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission.
- Neil Young: Neil Young is a Canadian-American singer-songwriter, musician, and actor. His career with a variety of bands, including Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young has spanned over 50 years.
- Neil Patrick Harris: Neil Patrick Harris is an American actor, comedian, and producer. He is best known for his roles in the sitcom How I Met Your Mother and as the title character in Doogie Howser, M.D.
- Neil Gaiman: Neil Gaiman is an English author of books, graphic novels, and films. His work has earned him several awards, including the prestigious Hugo, Nebula, and Bram Stoker Awards.
- Neil deGrasse Tyson: Neil deGrasse Tyson is an American astrophysicist, cosmologist, author, and science communicator. He is best known for hosting the educational TV series Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey.
- Neil Sedaka: Neil Sedaka is an American singer-songwriter, pianist, and record producer. He is best known for his distinctive musical style and hits such as One Way Ticket, Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, and Oh! Carol.
- Neil Patrick MacCormack: Neil Patrick MacCormack is an Irish singer-songwriter, musician, and actor. He is best known for his work with the band The Boomtown Rats and for the solo hit single Quick To Judgement.
- Neil Diamond: Neil Diamond is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and actor. He is best-known for his heartfelt ballads as well as up-tempo rock and roll hits such as Sweet Caroline, Forever in Blue Jeans, and Cracklin' Rosie.
- Neil Finn: Neil Finn is a New Zealand singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. He is best known as the frontman of the band Crowded House as well as his solo works.
- Neil Labute: Neil Labute is an American playwright, screenwriter, and film director. He is best known for his acerbic films and plays that explore what it means to be a person and how to maintain one's moral values.