Surname Neely - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling Ancestry: The Unexpected Insights from iGENEA DNA Test on Neely Lineage

With the help of a DNA test at iGENEA, I have unraveled an unexpected and diverse genetic history of my Neely ancestors; altering my understanding of self and emphasizing a sense of belonging to a larger historical narrative.

Q. Neely

Neely: What does the surname Neely mean?

The last name Neely is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "Ó Néill" which means “descendant of Niall.” The name Niall can be translated as "champion," "passionate," or "vehement." The O'Neills were an ancient Irish sept, a group of people who share a common ancestor, primarily located in County Tyrone in Northern Ireland. This indicates that an individual with the surname Neely may have ancestral ties dating back to this region and group. Today, the name is quite prevalent in Northern Ireland and Scotland. As with many surnames, specific meanings can vary and may also have evolved over time. Therefore, it's crucial to consider that this interpretation could change based on different geographical areas and periods.

Neely: Where does the name Neely come from?

The last name Neely is most commonly found in the southeastern region of the United States, particularly in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. While it is found in other countries such as Canada and Ireland, the highest population concentration is in the United States. The name is believed to be derived from the Irish surname “O’Neill.”

Neely family members trace their heritage to Irish immigrants who moved to America during the 1700s and 1800s. Many of these immigrants settled in the southeastern United States, particularly in states such as Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. The name also spread with the migration of many Neely family members to other regions of the United States.

In the 2000 United States Census, the Neely surname was ranked as the 3509th most common surname in the United States. In the same census, the highest concentrations of people bearing the Neely surname were found in Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas.

Today, the Neely surname is still relatively common in the southeastern United States, particularly in the states previously mentioned. The name continues to be a celebrated part of Neely family history, with many family members continuing to trace their lineage back to their Irish immigrant ancestors.

Variations of the surname Neely

The surname Neely is derived from the Gaelic name O'Niadh, which was first used as a surname by the descendants of the Niadh, an ancient Irish ascribed clan.

The surname Neely is a variant of accompanying surnames such as Neilly, Nye, Nielly, Neille, O'Neely, McNeilly, O'Nail, Niall, Nealy, O'Neill, Neil, O'Nay, Neall, Neal, Neale, Nihill, Nealon, O'Neal, O'Niell, Neallon, and Nihill.

The folk etymology of the name is that it comes from Irish mythological hero Niadh, the son of Logaire. Logaire, in Irish myths, was a Tuatha De Danann king from the 11th to 12th centuries. According to legend, Niadh became the progenitor of the O’Niadh clan because he was the first person to settle in the Clan territories.

The name has migrated to different parts of the world, but its variants remain in those areas where Irish immigrants settled, such as the United States, Australia, and Canada. These variants can be found scattered around the world but it is more common in certain parts of Europe, particularly in East Anglia in England.

The surname Neely is an anglicised form of the Gaelic O'Niadh, meaning "descendants of Niadh." The name can also be traced back to the Latin name Natalis, which is derived from the Latin word for "birth." The roots of the word Neely, then, signify a person born on Christmas day.

There are many variants of the surname Neely, but the original meaning remains the same. Despite its different spellings, all variants of the name are considered to be of the same origin.

Famous people with the name Neely

• Josh Neely: former pro lacrosse player and current coach
• J. William Neely: American Army veteran and politician
• Joseph William Neely: United States Army Major General
• Robert J. Neely: former commander of the United States Coast Guard
• William Neely: American biochemist and molecular biophysicist
• Alex Neely: American children's author and illustrator
• Craig Neely: American ice hockey player
• Bobby Neely: American former politician and lobbyist
• Will Neely: American actor
• Joseph P. Neely: American lawyer and former Texas Attorney General

Other surnames

NeelNeelandNeeleNeeleyNeellNeellyNeelsNeelsenNeelssen