McDaniel

McDaniel is a surname of Irish and Scottish origin. It is a patronymic name, meaning "son of Daniel." The given name Daniel is of Hebrew origin, meaning "God is my judge."

The surname McDaniel is found primarily in Ireland, Scotland, and the United States. Variations of the name include McDanell, McDaniels, and McDonnell.

Notable individuals with the surname McDaniel include:

• Hattie McDaniel (1895-1952): An American actress, singer, and comedian. She is best known for her role as Mammy in the 1939 film Gone with the Wind, for which she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, becoming the first African American to win an Oscar.

• James McDaniel (born 1958): An American actor known for his roles in television series such as NYPD Blue and Detroit 1-8-7.

• Mildred McDaniel (1933-2004): An American high jumper who won a gold medal at the 1956 Summer Olympics.

The surname, like many surnames, likely originated as a way to distinguish individuals within a community. The prevalence of the name in certain geographic locations reflects migration patterns and historical settlements.