Origin & Meaning of the Mcneil Surname
What does the last name Mcneil mean?
The surname Mcneil carries the meaning "Son of Mcneil." It is derived from the Gaelic language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 34,368 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mcneil ranks as the #1,018 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mcneil come from?
The Mcneil surname has its roots in Irish/Scottish heritage. Names of Irish/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 Mcneil name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mcneil trace back to 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 | Mcneil |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mcneil |
| Origin | Irish/Scottish |
| Language | Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,018 |
| US Count (2010) | 34,368 |
| Per 100K People | 11.65 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mcneil
According to the US Census, the Mcneil surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 34,368 Americans with the Mcneil last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 52.43% |
| Black | 41.94% |
| Hispanic | 2.41% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.4% |
| Native American | 0.56% |
| Two or More Races | 2.27% |
Popularity of Mcneil Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mcneil surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mcneil surname increased by 1,129 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Mcneil Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Mcneil ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The Complete Story of the Mcneil Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Mcneil Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Mcneil
- ✓ The Mcneil coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Mcneil families live today
- ✓ Notable Mcneil bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
🎁 A heritage keepsake to pass down — perfect as a gift.
Similar Surnames to Mcneil
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Mcneil.
Other Irish/Scottish Surnames
Explore more surnames with Irish/Scottish roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Irish/Scottish origin as Mcneil.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mcneil
Top Surnames Starting with M
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter M, ranked by population.
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Mcneil surname also look for: