| ![Show Contents]() McNelley History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Scotland Ireland On the Scottish west coast, the McNelley family was born among the ancient Dalriadan clans. Their name comes from the personal name Neil. The Gaelic form Mac Neill translates as son of Neil. Early Origins of the McNelley familyThe surname McNelley was first found in on the islands of Barra, Gigha, Colonsay, and Oronsay. According to traditional records in 1049, Niall, a direct descendent of King Niall of the Nine Hostages, landed in Barra and founded the Clan MacNeill of Barra. However, another kinsman, some believe to be the younger brother of Niall named Anrothan, married a Princess of the Dalriadans, an ancient race from which sprang most of the early Scottish Kings. Legend has it that Anrothan started the MacNeill house of Colonsay through his son Torquil of Taynish. This latter branch acquired the lands of Gigha, Colonsay and Oronsay, beyond the Firth of Lorne. For the next two centuries it appears as though these two great houses were developing independently of one another. Early History of the McNelley familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our McNelley research. Another 361 words (26 lines of text) covering the years 1370, 1380, 1526, 1562, 1590, 1612, 1613, 1631, 1640, 1686, 1730 and 1890 are included under the topic Early McNelley History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. McNelley Spelling VariationsIn the Middle Ages, the translation between Gaelic and English was not a highly developed process. Spelling was not yet standardized, and so, an enormous number of spelling variations appear in records of early Scottish names. McNelley has appeared as MacNeil, MacNeill, MacNeal, MacNeilage, MacNeale, MacNeall, MacNeille, MacNeel, MacNiel, MacGreal, Mcneil, Mcneill, McNeal, Mcneal, Mcneall and many more. Early Notables of the McNelley familyNotable amongst the Clan from early times was Nigel M'Nele, Laird of Blarekanne c. 1370-1380; Alexander Makneyll, a notary public in Edinburgh in 1526; Richard Neile (1562-1640) was an English churchman, Archbishop...
Another 32 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early McNelley Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.  Migration of the McNelley family to Ireland
Some of the McNelley family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 85 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
| McNelley migration to the United States | + |
These settlers arrived in North America at a time when the east was burgeoning with prosperous colonies and the expanses of the west were just being opened up. The American War of Independence was also imminent. Some Scots stayed to fight for a new country, while others who remained loyal went north as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of them went on to rediscover their heritage in the 20th century through highland games and other patriotic Scottish events. The McNelley were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records:
McNelley Settlers in United States in the 20th Century- George McNelley, aged 50, who arrived in New York in 1908 aboard the ship "Seguranca" from Havana, Cuba 1
- Frank McNelley, aged 22, who arrived in New York in 1912 aboard the ship "Esperanza" from Havana, Cuba 1
- William E. McNelley, aged 42, who arrived in New York in 1920 from Hamburg via Rosyth, Scotland 1
- R. McNelley, aged 40, who arrived from Genoa, Naples, Italy in 1920 aboard the ship "West Grama" to Los Angeles 1
| Contemporary Notables of the name McNelley (post 1700) | + |
- Rob McNelley, American musician, known for his guitar work on Thompson Street, by American country music singer Brady Seals
- Hugh McNelley, American co-founder of The Oskaloosa Herald, Oskaloosa, Iowa in 1850
- Robert McNelley, American founder of the Cleveland Daily Banner in 1854, he longest-running newspaper in Bradley County, Tennessee
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: Vincere vel mori
Motto Translation: To conquer or die.
|
McNelley migration to the United States 
