Clan MacNeil
Encyclopedia
Clan MacNeil, also known in Scotland
as Clan Niall, is a highland
Scottish clan
, particularly associated with the Outer Hebridean
island of Barra
. The early history of Clan MacNeil is obscure, however despite this the clan claims to descend from the legendary Niall of the nine hostages
. The clan itself takes its name from a Niall who lived in the 13th or early 14th century, and who belonged to the same dynastic family of Cowal
and Knapdale
as the ancestors of the Lamonts
, MacEwens of Otter, Maclachlans
, and the MacSweens
. While the clan is centred in Barra in the Outer Hebrides, there is a branch of the clan in Argyll
that some historians have speculated was more senior in line, or possibly even unrelated. However, according to Scots law
the current chief of Clan Macneil is the chief of all MacNeil(l)s.
, Ánrothán Ua Néill, son of Áed, son of Flaithbertach Ua Néill
, King of Ailech and Cenél nEógain
, died 1036. Anrothan emigrated to Scotland in the 11th century. Through him the MacNeils of Barra also naturally claim descent from the legendary Niall of the Nine Hostages. Anrothan is claimed as ancestor of several clans in the Argyll vicinity: Clan Lamont, Clan Maclachlan, Clan MacEwen of Otter, and also the Irish Sweeneys (MacSween). If the MacNeils are indeed connected to Anrothan, then they appear to have been a junior branch of the family and were certainly overshadowed in the 13th century by the MacSweens, Lamonts and descendants of Gilchrist. An opposing theory, proposed by Nicholas Maclean Bristol, is that there is reason to believe that they descend from Neill Maclean who appears on Exchequer Rolls at a time when Tarbert Castle was being rebuilt by Robert the Bruce. The earliest contemporary record of the Macneils of Barra is only in 1427, when Gilleonan Macneil received a charter of Barra and Boisdale.
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. In the mid 16th century, a certain Torquil MacNeill
was known as the "chief and principal of the clan and surname of Maknelis". The 19th century scholar W.F. Skene considered Torquil to be the last of the hereditary MacNeill keepers of the castle. Skene believed that after Torquil's demise, the hereditary office passed to the MacMillans
. During the time of Torquil, there are records of separate clans on Barra and Gigha. Skene did not consider Torquil to be a member of either of these clans, since both clans had chiefs of their own.
The chief of the Gigha MacNeills at this time was Neill MacNeill, who was killed in about 1530. His only daughter inherited his lands and handed them over to her illegitimate brother, Neill. According to historian John Bannerman
, while the lands of the chief passed to his daughter, the chiefship passed over to Torquil who was her second cousin. Bannerman considered it likely that when Torquil died, the chiefship passed to the illegitimate Neill.
In 1553, this Neill sold the island to James MacDonald of Islay. Neill died without issue, and the next in line to the chiefship was another Neil, who obtained the lands of Taynish. His descendant Hector Macneill of Taynish purchased Gigha in 1590. With the power of the Campbells growing and spreading out into the Inner Hebrides, the influence of the McNeills of Gigha decreased. At about this time the MacNeils on more remote island of Barra, far removed of Campbell power, began to grow in prominence and for a long time since have been regarded as Chief of the Clan and Name. Descending from this branch were the MacNeils of Colonsay who obtained Colonsay in 1700 and owned it until 1904 when it was sold by John Carstairs McNeill
. According to Moncreiffe, there is reason to believe that historically this branch were superior to the current chiefs of the Clan Macneil. There is even a school of thought that there is no relation at all between this branch of McNeills to that of Barra. However, according to a 1962 decree by the Lord Lyon, the chiefs of MacNeil of Barra are chiefs of the whole name of MacNeil by Scots law
.
Roderick Macneil of Barra, sold Barra to Colonel Gordon of Cluny. When Roderick died in 1863 the chiefship passed to a cousin (descendant of Gilleonan) who had emigrated during the mass emigrations to Canada in 1802.
Robert Lister Macneil, was born in 1889. An American citizen and a trained architect, he succeeded the chiefship of Clan Macneil in 1915. In 1937 he was able to purchase Barra and the ruinous Kisimul Castle
largely using the money from his second wife. Immediately he began work restoring the castle, aided in part by funds from a British Government grant. By his death in 1970 he had completed the restoration of the castle – ancient seat of the chiefs of the clan. In 2001 the castle was leased to Historic Scotland
for one thousand years at the rent of £1 per year and a bottle of Talisker
whisky. In October 2004 the chief handed over 3,600 hectares, comprising almost all of his estate on Barra to Scottish Ministers. The current chief of Clan MacNeil is Ian Roderick Macneil of Barra, The Macneil of Barra, Chief of Clan Niall and 26th of Barra, also Baron of Barra. The chief is a member of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs
. The current chief, while an United States citizen, lives in Edinburgh
, Scotland.
Regarding the ascent of the 45th chief (Robert Lister Macneil), The Arms of the Scottish Bishoprics (1917) states:
. Scottish crest badges usually contain the heraldic crest and heraldic motto of the chief of the clan. While clan members may wear the badge, the crest and motto within it are the heraldic property of the chief alone. A crest badge suitable for a clan member of Clan MacNeil contains the crest: on a chapeau gules
furred ermine
, a rock proper. The motto upon the badge is: buaidh no bas, which translates from Scottish Gaelic as "to conquer or die", or "victory or death
").
Though not a clan in its own right, MacNeil(l)s who consider themselves of the Colonsay "branch" have used the following crest badge to distinguish themselves from the Barra "branch". This crest badge contains the crest: an armoured dexter arm with dagger; and the motto: vincere aut mori, which translates from Latin
as "conquer or die".
, or sometimes called a plant badge. The original clan badges were merely plants worn in bonnets or hung from a pole or spear. Today, the clan badge attributed to Clan MacNeil is dryas
. Trefoil has also been attributed to the clan, however this clan badge may actually be attributed to the McNeills of Gigha, a branch of Clan MacNeil. Trefoil has also been attributed to the Lamonts, another clan in Argyl. The Lamonts and MacNeils/McNeills both claim descent from the same O'Neill who settled in Scotland in the Middle Ages.
s associated with the name MacNeil / MacNeill. However, in 1997 the chief of Clan Macneil directed members of the clan that there were only two tartans that he recognised as "clan tartans". These were: Macneil of Barra and Macneil of Colonsay. The Macneil of Barra tartan has been the standard Macneil of Barra tartan for over a century.
typically attributed to clan MacNeil belongs solely to the current chief of the clan. A depiction of the coat of arms is painted in the Great Hall of Kisimul Castle
in Castlebay
, Barra
, Scotland.
This coat of arms is divided into quarters:
Surrounding the Coat of Arms http://home.pacbell.net/roymc/Crest.htm:
The topic of who is a MacNeil can be a complicated one. By convention, anyone descended from a member of Clan MacNeil can claim membership. Because of the history of slavery in the United States and the Caribbean, however, many African Americans may bear a MacNeil surname. Because it was not uncommon for a female slave to bear her slave-master's child, several African American MacNeils may have legitimate descent from a MacNeil, however such descent can rarely be proven, and most African American MacNeils remain uninvolved with clan activities and do not claim descent from the clan. Generally speaking, Caucasians with MacNeil surnames number between 40,000 and 80,000 worldwide.
Sizable populations also exist in Scotland, Ireland, Canada, France, Australia, and New Zealand
: Ian Roderick MacNeil
of Barra , The Macneil of Barra, Chief of Clan Niall and 26th of Barra, Baron of Barra.
The chiefs of Clan MacNeil, are reckoned from Niall Noigíallach (Niall of the Nine Hostages), from whom all the MacNeil chiefs claim descent. The clan claims Niall Noigíallach as its first chief, while the current chief is reckoned as the 46th chief.
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
as Clan Niall, is a highland
Scottish Highlands
The Highlands is an historic region of Scotland. The area is sometimes referred to as the "Scottish Highlands". It was culturally distinguishable from the Lowlands from the later Middle Ages into the modern period, when Lowland Scots replaced Scottish Gaelic throughout most of the Lowlands...
Scottish clan
Scottish clan
Scottish clans , give a sense of identity and shared descent to people in Scotland and to their relations throughout the world, with a formal structure of Clan Chiefs recognised by the court of the Lord Lyon, King of Arms which acts as an authority concerning matters of heraldry and Coat of Arms...
, particularly associated with the Outer Hebridean
Outer Hebrides
The Outer Hebrides also known as the Western Isles and the Long Island, is an island chain off the west coast of Scotland. The islands are geographically contiguous with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, one of the 32 unitary council areas of Scotland...
island of Barra
Barra
The island of Barra is a predominantly Gaelic-speaking island, and apart from the adjacent island of Vatersay, to which it is connected by a causeway, is the southernmost inhabited island of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland.-Geography:The 2001 census showed that the resident population was 1,078...
. The early history of Clan MacNeil is obscure, however despite this the clan claims to descend from the legendary Niall of the nine hostages
Niall of the Nine Hostages
Niall Noígíallach , or in English, Niall of the Nine Hostages, son of Eochaid Mugmedón, was an Irish king, the eponymous ancestor of the Uí Néill kindred who dominated Ireland from the 6th century to the 10th century...
. The clan itself takes its name from a Niall who lived in the 13th or early 14th century, and who belonged to the same dynastic family of Cowal
Cowal
thumb|Cowal shown within ArgyllCowal is a peninsula in Argyll and Bute in the Scottish Highlands.-Description:The northern part of Cowal is mostly the mountainous Argyll Forest Park. Cowal is separated from the Kintyre peninsula to the west by Loch Fyne, and from Inverclyde and North Ayrshire to...
and Knapdale
Knapdale
Knapdale forms a rural district of Argyll and Bute in the Scottish Highlands, adjoining Kintyre to the south, and divided from the rest of Argyll to the north by the Crinan Canal. It includes two parishes, North Knapdale and South Knapdale....
as the ancestors of the Lamonts
Clan Lamont
Clan Lamont is a Highland Scottish clan. Clan Lamont claim descent from Lauman who lived in Cowal in 1238. Tradition gives this Lauman a descent from an Irish prince of the O'Neill dynasty, Ánrothán Ua Néill, son of Áed, son of Flaithbertach Ua Néill, King of Ailech and Cenél nEógain, died 1036...
, MacEwens of Otter, Maclachlans
Clan MacLachlan
Clan Maclachlan, also known as Clan Lachlan, is a Highland Scottish clan that historically centred on the lands of Strathlachlan on Loch Fyne, Argyll on the west coast of Scotland...
, and the MacSweens
Clan Sweeney
Clan Sweeney is an Irish clan of Scottish origin. The clan did not permanently settle in Ireland before the beginning of the 14th century, when they became Gallowglass soldiers for the O'Donnell dynasty of Tyrconnell...
. While the clan is centred in Barra in the Outer Hebrides, there is a branch of the clan in Argyll
Argyll
Argyll , archaically Argyle , is a region of western Scotland corresponding with most of the part of ancient Dál Riata that was located on the island of Great Britain, and in a historical context can be used to mean the entire western coast between the Mull of Kintyre and Cape Wrath...
that some historians have speculated was more senior in line, or possibly even unrelated. However, according to Scots law
Scots law
Scots law is the legal system of Scotland. It is considered a hybrid or mixed legal system as it traces its roots to a number of different historical sources. With English law and Northern Irish law it forms the legal system of the United Kingdom; it shares with the two other systems some...
the current chief of Clan Macneil is the chief of all MacNeil(l)s.
MacNeils of Barra
The MacNeils of Barra claim descent from a prince of the O'Neill dynastyO'Neill dynasty
The O'Neill dynasty is a group of families that have held prominent positions and titles throughout European history. The O'Neills take their name from Niall Glúndub, an early 10th century High King of Ireland from the Cenél nEógain...
, Ánrothán Ua Néill, son of Áed, son of Flaithbertach Ua Néill
Flaithbertach Ua Néill
Flaithbertach Ua Néill was king of Ailech, a kingdom of north-west Ireland. He abdicated in 1030 and undertook a pilgrimage to Rome, for which reason he was known as Flaithbertach an Trostáin...
, King of Ailech and Cenél nEógain
Cenél nEógain
Cenél nEóġain is the name of the "kindred" or descendants of Eógan mac Néill , son of Niall Noígiallach who founded the kingdom of Tír Eoghain in the 5th century...
, died 1036. Anrothan emigrated to Scotland in the 11th century. Through him the MacNeils of Barra also naturally claim descent from the legendary Niall of the Nine Hostages. Anrothan is claimed as ancestor of several clans in the Argyll vicinity: Clan Lamont, Clan Maclachlan, Clan MacEwen of Otter, and also the Irish Sweeneys (MacSween). If the MacNeils are indeed connected to Anrothan, then they appear to have been a junior branch of the family and were certainly overshadowed in the 13th century by the MacSweens, Lamonts and descendants of Gilchrist. An opposing theory, proposed by Nicholas Maclean Bristol, is that there is reason to believe that they descend from Neill Maclean who appears on Exchequer Rolls at a time when Tarbert Castle was being rebuilt by Robert the Bruce. The earliest contemporary record of the Macneils of Barra is only in 1427, when Gilleonan Macneil received a charter of Barra and Boisdale.
McNeills of Argyll (in Taynish, Gigha and Colonsay)
The origins of the Argyll MacNeills is also obscure. In the late 15th century, one MacNeill is recorded as the keeper of Castle SweenCastle Sween
Castle Sween is located on the eastern shore of Loch Sween, in Knapdale, on the west coast of Argyll, Scotland. Castle Sween is thought to be one of the earliest stone castles built in Scotland, having been built sometime in the late twelfth century...
. In the mid 16th century, a certain Torquil MacNeill
Torquil MacNeill
Torquil MacNeill was a mid sixteenth century clan chief.In the sixteenth century, there was a clan of MacNeills centred on the Inner Hebridean island of Gigha. In about 1530, the chief of the clan, Niall MacNeill of Gigha, died without a male heir...
was known as the "chief and principal of the clan and surname of Maknelis". The 19th century scholar W.F. Skene considered Torquil to be the last of the hereditary MacNeill keepers of the castle. Skene believed that after Torquil's demise, the hereditary office passed to the MacMillans
Clan MacMillan
Clan MacMillan is a Highland Scottish clan.-Origins of the clan:The MacMillans are one of a number of clans - including the MacKinnons, the MacQuarries, and the MacPhees - descended from Airbertach, a Hebridean prince of the old royal house of Moray who according to one account was the...
. During the time of Torquil, there are records of separate clans on Barra and Gigha. Skene did not consider Torquil to be a member of either of these clans, since both clans had chiefs of their own.
The chief of the Gigha MacNeills at this time was Neill MacNeill, who was killed in about 1530. His only daughter inherited his lands and handed them over to her illegitimate brother, Neill. According to historian John Bannerman
John Bannerman (historian)
John Walter MacDonald Bannerman was a Scottish historian, noted for his work on Gaelic Scotland.He was born in Balmaha, Stirlingshire, the son of John MacDonald Bannerman, later Lord Bannerman of Kildonan, and his wife Ray Mundell...
, while the lands of the chief passed to his daughter, the chiefship passed over to Torquil who was her second cousin. Bannerman considered it likely that when Torquil died, the chiefship passed to the illegitimate Neill.
In 1553, this Neill sold the island to James MacDonald of Islay. Neill died without issue, and the next in line to the chiefship was another Neil, who obtained the lands of Taynish. His descendant Hector Macneill of Taynish purchased Gigha in 1590. With the power of the Campbells growing and spreading out into the Inner Hebrides, the influence of the McNeills of Gigha decreased. At about this time the MacNeils on more remote island of Barra, far removed of Campbell power, began to grow in prominence and for a long time since have been regarded as Chief of the Clan and Name. Descending from this branch were the MacNeils of Colonsay who obtained Colonsay in 1700 and owned it until 1904 when it was sold by John Carstairs McNeill
John Carstairs McNeill
Major General Sir John Carstairs McNeill VC, GCVO, KCB, KCMG was a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.-Early life:He was the son of Anne Elizabeth McNeill née...
. According to Moncreiffe, there is reason to believe that historically this branch were superior to the current chiefs of the Clan Macneil. There is even a school of thought that there is no relation at all between this branch of McNeills to that of Barra. However, according to a 1962 decree by the Lord Lyon, the chiefs of MacNeil of Barra are chiefs of the whole name of MacNeil by Scots law
Scots law
Scots law is the legal system of Scotland. It is considered a hybrid or mixed legal system as it traces its roots to a number of different historical sources. With English law and Northern Irish law it forms the legal system of the United Kingdom; it shares with the two other systems some...
.
Modern Clan Macneil
The 18th and 19th century saw severe hardship to Clan Macneil clansfolk. During this era there was mass emigration from Barra to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. During the chiefship of Colonel Roderick (c.1755–1822) Barra suffered its first mass emigrations, ironically the chief described himself as a melieuratier (an "improver"). One mass exodus of Barra folk was led by Gilleonan, elder son of the chief. This consisted of 370 Catholic Barra folk (about 75 families in total) who emigrated in August to Pictou, Nova Scotia. In 1838 after going broke, Colonel Roderick's son and heir, Lieutenant GeneralLieutenant General
Lieutenant General is a military rank used in many countries. The rank traces its origins to the Middle Ages where the title of Lieutenant General was held by the second in command on the battlefield, who was normally subordinate to a Captain General....
Roderick Macneil of Barra, sold Barra to Colonel Gordon of Cluny. When Roderick died in 1863 the chiefship passed to a cousin (descendant of Gilleonan) who had emigrated during the mass emigrations to Canada in 1802.
Robert Lister Macneil, was born in 1889. An American citizen and a trained architect, he succeeded the chiefship of Clan Macneil in 1915. In 1937 he was able to purchase Barra and the ruinous Kisimul Castle
Kisimul Castle
Kisimul Castle is a small medieval castle located in the centre of Castlebay on Barra, an island of the Outer Hebrides, Scotland....
largely using the money from his second wife. Immediately he began work restoring the castle, aided in part by funds from a British Government grant. By his death in 1970 he had completed the restoration of the castle – ancient seat of the chiefs of the clan. In 2001 the castle was leased to Historic Scotland
Historic Scotland
Historic Scotland is an executive agency of the Scottish Government, responsible for historic monuments in Scotland.-Role:As its website states:...
for one thousand years at the rent of £1 per year and a bottle of Talisker
Talisker
Talisker is an Island Single Malt Scotch whisky produced by the Talisker Distillery, Carbost, Scotland; the only distillery on the Isle of Skye. The distillery is operated by United Distillers and Vintners for Diageo, and is marketed as part of their Classic Malts series...
whisky. In October 2004 the chief handed over 3,600 hectares, comprising almost all of his estate on Barra to Scottish Ministers. The current chief of Clan MacNeil is Ian Roderick Macneil of Barra, The Macneil of Barra, Chief of Clan Niall and 26th of Barra, also Baron of Barra. The chief is a member of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs
Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs
The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs is the organisation of the Chiefs of many prominent Scottish Clans. The SCSC is the definitive and authoritative body for information on the Scottish Clan System.-History:...
. The current chief, while an United States citizen, lives in Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
, Scotland.
Regarding the ascent of the 45th chief (Robert Lister Macneil), The Arms of the Scottish Bishoprics (1917) states:
"In 1914 Roderick Ambrose Macneil, Chief of the Macneils of Barra, died in
the United States of America, being still a British citizen,
leaving two sons. Paul Humphrey Macneil, the elder son,
in his father's lifetime renounced his allegiance to the
British Crown and became an American citizen ; in consequence
of this his father in 1913 nominated his second son,
Robert Lister Macneil, the petitioner, to succeed him as
Chief of the Clan, and assigned to him the arms pertaining
to the Chief. Robert Lister Macneil therefore petitioned
the Lyon King to grant him the arms recorded by General
Roderick Macneil in 1824, which were borne by his (the
petitioner's father), Roderick Ambrose Macneil."
Crest Badges
Clan members, who wish to show their allegiance to a particular clan and chief can wear a crest badgeScottish crest badge
A Scottish crest badge is a heraldic badge worn to show allegiance to an individual or membership in a specific Scottish clan. Crest badges are commonly called clan crests, but this is a misnomer; there is no such thing as a collective clan crest, just as there is no such thing as a clan coat of...
. Scottish crest badges usually contain the heraldic crest and heraldic motto of the chief of the clan. While clan members may wear the badge, the crest and motto within it are the heraldic property of the chief alone. A crest badge suitable for a clan member of Clan MacNeil contains the crest: on a chapeau gules
Gules
In heraldry, gules is the tincture with the colour red, and belongs to the class of dark tinctures called "colours". In engraving, it is sometimes depicted as a region of vertical lines or else marked with gu. as an abbreviation....
furred ermine
Ermine (heraldry)
Ermine is a heraldic fur representing the winter coat of the stoat . Many skins would be sewn together to make a luxurious garment, producing a pattern of small black spots on a white field...
, a rock proper. The motto upon the badge is: buaidh no bas, which translates from Scottish Gaelic as "to conquer or die", or "victory or death
Victory or death
Victory or death and its equivalents, is used as a motto or battle cry :* It is given as the translation of the heraldic motto of several Scottish clans :** Clan MacDougall - BUAIDH NO BAS...
").
Though not a clan in its own right, MacNeil(l)s who consider themselves of the Colonsay "branch" have used the following crest badge to distinguish themselves from the Barra "branch". This crest badge contains the crest: an armoured dexter arm with dagger; and the motto: vincere aut mori, which translates from Latin
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
as "conquer or die".
Clan Badge
Another symbol used by clan members is a clan badgeClan badge
A clan badge, sometimes called a plant badge, is a badge or emblem, usually a sprig of a specific plant, that is used to identify a member of a particular Scottish clan. They are usually worn in a bonnet behind the Scottish crest badge, or attached at the shoulder of a lady's tartan sash...
, or sometimes called a plant badge. The original clan badges were merely plants worn in bonnets or hung from a pole or spear. Today, the clan badge attributed to Clan MacNeil is dryas
Dryas (plant)
Dryas is a genus of dwarf perennial herbaceous plants in the rose family Rosaceae, native to the arctic and alpine regions of Europe, Asia and North America. The genus is named after the Greek nymph Dryas. The classification of Dryas within the Rosaceae has been unclear...
. Trefoil has also been attributed to the clan, however this clan badge may actually be attributed to the McNeills of Gigha, a branch of Clan MacNeil. Trefoil has also been attributed to the Lamonts, another clan in Argyl. The Lamonts and MacNeils/McNeills both claim descent from the same O'Neill who settled in Scotland in the Middle Ages.
Tartan
There have been several tartanTartan
Tartan is a pattern consisting of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours. Tartans originated in woven wool, but now they are made in many other materials. Tartan is particularly associated with Scotland. Scottish kilts almost always have tartan patterns...
s associated with the name MacNeil / MacNeill. However, in 1997 the chief of Clan Macneil directed members of the clan that there were only two tartans that he recognised as "clan tartans". These were: Macneil of Barra and Macneil of Colonsay. The Macneil of Barra tartan has been the standard Macneil of Barra tartan for over a century.
Coat of arms
In Scotland, all coats of arms belong to a single person. The coat of armsCoat of arms
A coat of arms is a unique heraldic design on a shield or escutcheon or on a surcoat or tabard used to cover and protect armour and to identify the wearer. Thus the term is often stated as "coat-armour", because it was anciently displayed on the front of a coat of cloth...
typically attributed to clan MacNeil belongs solely to the current chief of the clan. A depiction of the coat of arms is painted in the Great Hall of Kisimul Castle
Kisimul Castle
Kisimul Castle is a small medieval castle located in the centre of Castlebay on Barra, an island of the Outer Hebrides, Scotland....
in Castlebay
Castlebay
Castlebay is the main village and a community council area on the island of Barra in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. It is located on the south coast of the island, and overlooks a bay in the Atlantic Ocean dominated by Kisimul Castle, as well as nearby islands such as Vatersay.- Church :The...
, Barra
Barra
The island of Barra is a predominantly Gaelic-speaking island, and apart from the adjacent island of Vatersay, to which it is connected by a causeway, is the southernmost inhabited island of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland.-Geography:The 2001 census showed that the resident population was 1,078...
, Scotland.
This coat of arms is divided into quarters:
- Upper Left: Lion Rampant (mimicking the Royal StandardRoyal Standard of ScotlandThe Royal Standard of Scotland, , also known as the Banner of the King of Scots, or more commonly the Lion Rampant of Scotland, is the Scottish Royal Banner of Arms...
of the King of Scotland) - Upper Right: Castle in the water (symbolizing Kisimul CastleKisimul CastleKisimul Castle is a small medieval castle located in the centre of Castlebay on Barra, an island of the Outer Hebrides, Scotland....
in CastlebayCastlebayCastlebay is the main village and a community council area on the island of Barra in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. It is located on the south coast of the island, and overlooks a bay in the Atlantic Ocean dominated by Kisimul Castle, as well as nearby islands such as Vatersay.- Church :The...
) - Lower Left: 3-masted ship (Representing either the sea-faring nature of the clan or the migration of the clan from the UlsterUlsterUlster is one of the four provinces of Ireland, located in the north of the island. In ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for administrative and judicial...
, Ireland to BarraBarraThe island of Barra is a predominantly Gaelic-speaking island, and apart from the adjacent island of Vatersay, to which it is connected by a causeway, is the southernmost inhabited island of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland.-Geography:The 2001 census showed that the resident population was 1,078...
, Scotland - Lower Right: Red Hand of UlsterRed Hand of UlsterThe Red Hand of Ulster is a symbol used in heraldry to denote the Irish province of Ulster. It is less commonly known as the Red Hand of O'Neill. Its origins are said to be attributed to the mythical Irish figure Labraid Lámh Dhearg , and appear in other mythical tales passed down from generation...
surrounded by nine shackles representing Niall of the Nine HostagesNiall of the Nine HostagesNiall Noígíallach , or in English, Niall of the Nine Hostages, son of Eochaid Mugmedón, was an Irish king, the eponymous ancestor of the Uí Néill kindred who dominated Ireland from the 6th century to the 10th century...
Surrounding the Coat of Arms http://home.pacbell.net/roymc/Crest.htm:
- Crest: a Rock (same as on the clan badge)
- Chapeau: Red velvet cap lined with ermine, symbolic of a Baron
- Helm: Height of the Helmet is determined by rank
- Mantle: Fabric surrounding the Arms
- Supporters: Two lions rampant
- Compartment: The base of the Arms, made of Dryas flowers (the clan badge)
Distribution
In the United States
- McNeil: 33,239 (rank:961) (source: 2000 US Census)
- McNeill: 22,383 (rank:1387) (source: 1990 US Census)
- MacNeil: 2,487 (rank:8716) (source: 1990 US Census)
- McNeilly: (rank:16430) (source: 1990 US Census)
- MacNeill: (rank:28690) (source: 1990 US Census)
In England, Wales, and the Isle of Mann
source: UK National Statistics Database 2002- McNeil: 3,522 (rank:2262)
- McNeill: 4,212 (rank:1909)
- MacNeil: 314 (rank:15845)
- MacNeill: 286 (rank:16904)
Sizable populations also exist in Scotland, Ireland, Canada, France, Australia, and New Zealand
Chiefs of Clan MacNeil
Current chiefScottish clan chief
The Scottish Gaelic word clann means children. In early times, and possibly even today, clan members believed themselves to descend from a common ancestor, the founder of the Scottish clan. From its perceived founder a clan takes its name. The clan chief is the representative of this founder, and...
: Ian Roderick MacNeil
Ian Roderick Macneil
Ian Roderick Macneil of Barra, The Macneil of Barra, Chief of Clan MacNeil also known as Clan Niall and 26th of Barra, also Baron of Barra. He was born 20 June 1929 and died 16 February 2010.Macneil was the son of Robert Lister Macneil...
of Barra , The Macneil of Barra, Chief of Clan Niall and 26th of Barra, Baron of Barra.
The chiefs of Clan MacNeil, are reckoned from Niall Noigíallach (Niall of the Nine Hostages), from whom all the MacNeil chiefs claim descent. The clan claims Niall Noigíallach as its first chief, while the current chief is reckoned as the 46th chief.
| # | Name | Notes | Year of death |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Niall Noigíallach (Niall of the Nine Hostages) | High King of Ireland also a member of the Connachta Connachta The Connachta are a group of medieval Irish dynasties who claimed descent from the legendary High King Conn Cétchathach... dynasty and ancestor of the Uí Néill Uí Néill The Uí Néill are Irish and Scottish dynasties who claim descent from Niall Noigiallach , an historical King of Tara who died about 405.... dynastic family. Married to Rignach |
405 |
| 2 | Eógan mac Néill | King of Aileach and Prince of Ulster, also the ancestor of the Cenél nEógain Cenél nEógain Cenél nEóġain is the name of the "kindred" or descendants of Eógan mac Néill , son of Niall Noígiallach who founded the kingdom of Tír Eoghain in the 5th century... dynasty and their septs (O'Neill, O'Docherty, O'Boyle, MacNeill, etc.). Founded the kingdom of Tír Eógain in the 5th century. Married to Indorb Fionn 'the White' |
465 |
| 3 | Muiredach mac Eógain Muiredach mac Eógain Muiredach mac Eógain was a King of Ailech and head of the Cenél nEógain branch of the northern Uí Néill. He was the son of the founder of this dynasty Eógan mac Néill .... |
King of Aileach and Prince of Ulster. Married to Eirc | 480 |
| 4 | Muirchertach mac Muiredaig Muirchertach mac Muiredaig Muirchertach mac Muiredaig , called Mac Ercae, Muirchertach Macc Ercae and Muirchertach mac Ercae, was said to be High King of Ireland. The Irish annals contain little reliable information on his life, and the surviving record shows signs of retrospective modification... |
High King of Ireland in 487, King of Aileach. Married to Duaibhseach | |
| 5 | Domnall mac Muirchertaig | High King of Ireland in 559, King of Aileach | 561 |
| 6 | Áed Uaridnach Áed Uaridnach Áed Uaridnach was an Irish king who was High King of Ireland. He is sometimes also known as Áed Allán, a name most commonly used for the 8th century king of the same name, this Áed's great-great-grandson.... |
High King of Ireland 599, King of Aileach | 607 |
| 7 | Máel Fithrich mac Áedo Máel Fithrich mac Áedo Máel Fithrich mac Áedo was a King of Ailech and head of the Cenél nEógain branch of the northern Uí Néill. He was the son of the high king of Ireland Áed Uaridnach... ) |
King of Aileach, Prince of Ulster | 626–630 |
| 8 | Máel Dúin mac Máele Fithrich Máel Dúin mac Máele Fithrich Máel Dúin mac Máele Fithrich was a King of Ailech and head of the Cenél nEógain branch of the northern Uí Néill. He was the son of Máel Fithrich mac Áedo and grandson of the high king Áed Uaridnach... |
King of Aileach, Prince of Ulster. Married to Cacht | 706 |
| 9 | Fergal mac Máele Dúin Fergal mac Máele Dúin Fergal mac Máele Dúin was High King of Ireland. Fergal belonged to the Cenél nEógain sept of the northern Uí Néill. He was the son of Máel Dúin mac Máele Fithrich , a King of Ailech, and great grandson of the high king Áed Uaridnach... |
High King of Ireland 709, King of Aileach. Married to Athiocht | 718 |
| 10 | Niall Frossach Niall Frossach Niall Frossach was an 8th century Irish king of Ailech, sometimes considered to have been High King of Ireland. Brother of high king Áed Allán , Niall was the son of high king Fergal mac Máele Dúin and a member of the Cenél nEógain, a branch of the Northern Uí Néill... |
High King of Ireland 759, King of Aileach. Married to Eithne | 773 |
| 11 | Áed Oirdnide mac Néill Áed Oirdnide mac Néill Áed mac Néill , commonly called Áed Oirdnide, was King of Ailech. A member of the Cenél nEógain dynasty of the northern Uí Néill, he was the son of Niall Frossach. Like his father, Áed was reckoned High King of Ireland... |
High King of Ireland 793, King of Aileach. Married to Maebh | 818 |
| 12 | Niall Caille mac Áeda Niall Caille mac Áeda Niall mac Áeda , called Niall Caille to distinguish him from his grandson Niall mac Áeda , was High King of Ireland.-Background:... |
High King of Ireland 832, King of Aileach and Ulster. Married to Gormfhlaith Macdonell | 845 |
| 13 | Aed Finliath Aed Finliath Áed mac Neíll , called Áed Findliath to distinguish him from his paternal grandfather Áed Oirdnide, was king of Ailech and High King of Ireland... |
High King of Ireland 861, King of Aileach and Ulster. Married to Máel Muire, daughter of Kenneth MacAlpin, King of Scots | 878 |
| 14 | Niall Glúndub Niall Glúndub Niall Glúndub mac Áedo was a 10th century Irish king of the Cenél nEógain and High King of Ireland. While many Irish kin groups were members of the Uí Néill, tracing their descent from Niall of the Nine Hostages , the O'Neill dynasty took their name from Niall Glúndub rather than the earlier Niall... |
High King of Ireland 878, King of Aileach and Ulster. Married to Gormflaith | 916 |
| 15 | Muirceartach na Cochall Croiceann (Muirchertach mac Néill Muirchertach mac Néill Muirchertach mac Néill , called Muirchertach of the Leather Cloaks , King of Ailech.-Family ramifications:Muirchertach belonged to the Cenél nEógain sept of the northern Uí Néill... ) |
High King of Ireland 937, King of Aileach and Ulster | 943 |
| 16 | Domnall ua Néill Domnall ua Néill Domhnall ua Néill was High King of Ireland from 956 to 980.Domnall was the son of Muirchertach mac Néill, and grandson of Niall Glúndub, a member of the Cenél nEógain northern Uí Néill. He became co-King of Ailech with his brother Flaithbertach on the death of his father in 943... |
High King of Ireland 954, King of Aileach and Ulster | 978 |
| 17 | Muirceartach na Midhe | Prince of Ulster and Tyrone | 975 |
| 18 | Flaithbertach Ua Néill Flaithbertach Ua Néill Flaithbertach Ua Néill was king of Ailech, a kingdom of north-west Ireland. He abdicated in 1030 and undertook a pilgrimage to Rome, for which reason he was known as Flaithbertach an Trostáin... |
King of Aileach and Ulster and Prince of Tyrone | |
| 19 | Aodh Athlamh | King of Aileach and Ulster and Prince of Tyrone | |
| 20 | Aodh Aonrachan | King of Aileach, Prince of Aileach and Argyll, resigned kingship to brother Domhnall in 1033 | aft 1047 |
| 21 | Niall of the Castle | Prince of Argyll and the Norse Council of the Isles. Began construction of Kisimul Castle Kisimul Castle Kisimul Castle is a small medieval castle located in the centre of Castlebay on Barra, an island of the Outer Hebrides, Scotland.... |
|
| 22 | Aodh | Prince of the Norse Council of the Isles | aft 1090 |
| 23 | Donald | Prince of the Norse Council of the Isles | |
| 24 | Muirceartach | Prince of the Norse Council of the Isles | |
| 25 | Niall | Prince of the Norse Council of the Isles | aft 1263 |
| 26 | Niall Og | Received first charter for Barra from Robert the Bruce | aft 1314 |
| 27 | Muirceartach | ||
| 28 | Roderick | aft 1409 | |
| 29 | Gilleonan Roderick Muchard Macneil | Received first recorded charter for Barra from Alexander, Lord of the Isles in 1427. Married to Fynvola (Flora) MacLeod, daughter of Iain Borb MacLeod Iain Borb MacLeod Iain Borb MacLeod is considered to be the sixth chief of Clan MacLeod. He is the first MacLeod chief to which heraldry can be assigned... (6th chief of Clan MacLeod Clan MacLeod Clan MacLeod is a Highland Scottish clan associated with the Isle of Skye. There are two main branches of the clan: the Macleods of Harris and Dunvegan, whose chief is Macleod of Macleod, are known in Gaelic as Sìol Tormoid ; the Macleods of Lewis, whose chief is Macleod of The Lewes, are known in... ). |
aft 1427 |
| 30 | Roderick | ||
| 31 | Gilleonan | aft 1495 | |
| 32 | Gilleonan | ||
| 33 | Gilleonan | aft 1578 | |
| 34 | Roderick Og | Married to Mary MacLeod, the 10th chief and first female chief of Clan MacLeod Clan MacLeod Clan MacLeod is a Highland Scottish clan associated with the Isle of Skye. There are two main branches of the clan: the Macleods of Harris and Dunvegan, whose chief is Macleod of Macleod, are known in Gaelic as Sìol Tormoid ; the Macleods of Lewis, whose chief is Macleod of The Lewes, are known in... |
|
| 35 | Roderick "the Turbulent" | Married to a woman from Clan MacLean of Dowart(Duart) and later to a woman named Marion MacDonald. The children from both of these marriages fought over the title of chief of Clan MacNeil | aft 1601 |
| 36 | Niall Og | Married to Margaret MacLean | aft 1651 |
| 37 | Gilleonan | Married to Catherine MacDonald | |
| 38 | Roderick Dhu | Baron of Barra. Married to Isobel (Isabella) MacLeod | 1715 |
| 39 | Roderick "Dove of the West" | Baron of Barra. Married to Alice MacLeod | 1763 |
| 40 | Roderick "the Gentle" | Baron of Barra. Married to Jean Cameron. | 1822 |
| 41 | Roderick "the General" | Baron of Barra, lost the Barony and Estate of Barra in 1838. Married to Isabella Brownlow When he died, the chiefship passed to a cousin (descendant of Gilleonan) who had emigrated during the mass emigrations to Canada in 1802. | 1863 |
| 42 | Donald McGougan Macneil | Baron of Barra | 1880 |
| 43 | Iain Macneil | Baron of Barra | 1893 |
| 44 | Roderick Ambrose Macneil | Baron of Barra. Bequeathed the title of chief upon his second son, Robert Lister | 1914 |
| 45 | Robert Lister Macneil (Photo) | Baron of Barra. An American, bought the Barra estate in 1937 and restored Kisimul Castle Kisimul Castle Kisimul Castle is a small medieval castle located in the centre of Castlebay on Barra, an island of the Outer Hebrides, Scotland.... before his death. |
1970 |
| 46 | Ian Roderick Macneil Ian Roderick Macneil Ian Roderick Macneil of Barra, The Macneil of Barra, Chief of Clan MacNeil also known as Clan Niall and 26th of Barra, also Baron of Barra. He was born 20 June 1929 and died 16 February 2010.Macneil was the son of Robert Lister Macneil... (Photo) |
Baron of Barra. An American-born, Harvard educated law professor. Gifted Kisimul Castle Kisimul Castle Kisimul Castle is a small medieval castle located in the centre of Castlebay on Barra, an island of the Outer Hebrides, Scotland.... to Historic Scotland Historic Scotland Historic Scotland is an executive agency of the Scottish Government, responsible for historic monuments in Scotland.-Role:As its website states:... for 1000 years in 2001 and gifted the estate of Barra to Scottish Ministers in 2004. Married to Nancy Wilson of Ottawa, Canada |
2010 |
| 47 | Roderick "Rory" Wilson Macneil | Baron of Barra. Married to Sau Ming Kwan of Hong Kong. | |
| Roderick "Ruari" Iain Macneil (heir) |
See also
- McNeilMcNeilSee also Clan MacNeil for information on the Scottish ClanMcNeil may refer to:- Places :United States*McNeil, Arkansas*McNeil Island, Washington*McNeil River, AlaskaCanada*Mount McNeil, a mountain in Yukon Territory, Canada- Schools :...
- McNeillMcNeillSee main article for Clan MacNeil, a Scottish Clan.McNeill may refer to:* McNeill, West Virginia, a US community* Port McNeill, British Columbia* McNeill's law, coined by William H...
- MacNeilMacNeilMacNeil can have a number of different meanings and spellings:Clan MacNeil is a Scottish clan.- Notable people :*Al MacNeil, Canadian hockey player*Angus MacNeil, Scottish politician*Carole MacNeil, Canadian television journalist...
- MacNeillMacNeill- People :*Dick MacNeill, Dutch footballer*Eoin MacNeill, Irish scholar*Hector Macneill, Scottish poet*John Benjamin Macneill, Irish civil engineer*Torquil MacNeill, 16th century Scottish chief- Schools :...
- McNealMcNealSee main article for Clan MacNeil, a Scottish Clan.McNeal is a surname and may refer to:*Reggie McNeal, Canadian football quarterback*Don McNeal, American professional football player who played defensive back for the Miami Dolphins...
- MacNealMacNealMacNeal may refer to:*Noel MacNeal, a puppeter, writer, and director of children's television*Harry L. MacNeal, a United States Marine who was a recipient of America's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor...
- MacNeilleMacNeille-MacNeille:*Tress MacNeille, American voice actor on The Simpsons and Futurama*Holbrook Mann MacNeille, American mathematician-McNeile:*H. C. McNeile, British author, who published under the pen name "Sapper"*Hugh McNeile, Anglican churchman in Ireland...
- Victory or DeathVictory or deathVictory or death and its equivalents, is used as a motto or battle cry :* It is given as the translation of the heraldic motto of several Scottish clans :** Clan MacDougall - BUAIDH NO BAS...
- McNeil (surname)McNeil (surname)McNeil' or "MacNeil" is a Scottish surname closely related to the Gaelic speaking Isle of Barra in the Hebrides. Notable persons with that surname include:*Adrienne McNeil Herndon, designer of the Herndon Home*Andrew McNeil, Scottish professional footballer...
External links
- Clan MacNeil in Canada
- Clan MacNeil Net
- Iain MacNeil – Daily Telegraph obituary