Neale (surname)

Neale is a surname with multiple origins, primarily British and Irish.

Origin and Meaning:

• English: Derived from the given name Neal, itself originating from the Old Irish "Niall," meaning "champion" or "cloud." Alternatively, it could be a shortened form of O'Neal, a prominent Irish surname.

• Irish: An Anglicized form of the Gaelic Ó Néill, meaning "descendant of Niall." The O'Neills were a powerful clan in Ulster, Northern Ireland.

Distribution:

The surname Neale is found in various English-speaking countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, Australia, and Canada. Its distribution reflects historical migration patterns.

Notable People with the Surname Neale:

• Donald Neale (Various), multiple people share this name.
• Florence Neale (Various), multiple people share this name.
• John Neale (Various), multiple people share this name.
• Patrick Neale (Various), multiple people share this name.
• Robert Neale (Various), multiple people share this name.
• Ronald Neale (Various), multiple people share this name.
• William Neale (Various), multiple people share this name.

Variations:

Common variations of the surname Neale include Neal, O'Neale, O'Neil, and Neil. These variations often arose through regional dialect and anglicization.

Further Research:

Genealogical resources and historical records can provide more detailed information about the Neale surname and its specific lineages. These sources can include census data, birth and death records, and immigration documents.