Origin & Meaning of the Macneil Surname
What does the last name Macneil mean?
The surname Macneil carries the meaning "Son of Macneil." It is derived from the Scottish Gaelic language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 3,003 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Macneil ranks as the #10,653 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Macneil come from?
The Macneil surname has its roots in Scottish heritage. Names of Scottish origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Macneil name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Macneil trace back to Scottish Gaelic. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Macneil |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Macneil |
| Origin | Scottish |
| Language | Scottish Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #10,653 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,003 |
| Per 100K People | 1.02 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Macneil
According to the US Census, the Macneil surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,003 Americans with the Macneil last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.71% |
| Black | 1.7% |
| Hispanic | 2.06% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.73% |
| Native American | 0.27% |
| Two or More Races | 1.53% |
Popularity of Macneil Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Macneil surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Macneil surname increased by 138 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Scottish Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Macneil
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