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.
The name McNeal has seen a steady but modest presence in the United States over the past century. Between 1916 and 2020, there have been a total of 43 babies named McNeal born in the U.S., according to available records.
The peak years for this name appear to be during the early 20th century, with six births recorded in 1917 and seven in 1920. However, it's important to note that record-keeping methods and accessibility may have varied throughout these decades, which could affect the accuracy of these statistics.
Despite its fluctuating popularity, McNeal has maintained a consistent, if small, presence among American baby names over time. This name may be considered unique yet not overly rare, as it has been chosen for a handful of babies each year since 1916.