Niel History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Dalriadan families proliferated in North America. Their descendants still populate many communities in the eastern parts of both the United States and Canada. Some settled in Canada as United Empire Loyalists, in the wake of the American War of Independence. Families on both sides of the border have recovered much of their heritage in the 20th century through Clan societies and highland games. Analysis of immigration records indicates that some of the first North American immigrants bore the name Niel or a variant listed above:

Niel Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

• Nicho Niel, who arrived in Virginia in 1698 2

Niel Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

• James Niel, who arrived in New York in 1799 2
• John Niel, who landed in New York in 1799 2

Niel Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

• Julius Niel, who landed in Charleston, South Carolina in 1807 2
• Michael Niel, who arrived in New York in 1841 2
• H Niel, who landed in San Francisco, California in 1851 2
• Francisco Niel, aged 39, who landed in Puerto Rico in 1876 2

Niel Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

• Mary Niel, aged 27, a servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1854 aboard the ship "Fortune" 3

• Daniel Niel, American Democratic Party politician, Presidential Elector for California, 1948 4
• Niel Gow (1727-1807), Scottish violinist and composer, born at Inver, near Dunkeld, Perthshire, on 22 March 1727, son of a plaid weaver 5
• Niel Hornbuckle (b. 1991), South African first-class cricketer
• Niel van Deventer, South African producer and writer, known for Dis ek, Anna (2015), Teiken (2018) and Kamphoer (2018)
• Niel B. Nielson (b. 1954), American academic, former president of Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia
• Niel Gow (1727-1807), the most famous Scottish fiddler and dancie of the eighteenth century
• Niel Wright (b. 1933), New Zealand poet, literary critic, bibliographer, publisher, and cultural and political commentator