MacNeal

MacNeal is a surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic surname Mac Néill, meaning "son of Neil." The name Neil itself is believed to have Gaelic roots, possibly meaning "champion" or "passionate." The MacNeal clan was historically prominent in Scotland, particularly on the islands of Islay and Barra, though its origins are strongly tied to Ireland. Over centuries, many families bearing the MacNeal name emigrated from both Ireland and Scotland, establishing themselves in various parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and New Zealand. The surname is found in numerous variations due to anglicization and dialectal differences, with common spellings including McNeal, MacNeil, and McNeall. Individuals with the surname MacNeal have contributed to a wide range of fields throughout history and into the present day.