How common is the McNelly surname?

There are approximately 1,800 people with the surname McNelly in the United States.

Are there McNelly soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 130 soldiers with the McNelly surname appear in Civil War records.

McNelly

Q: What does the surname McNelly mean?

The surname McNelly means "Son of Nelly, derived from a personal name possibly related to 'Niall' or 'Helen.'". It is of Scottish Gaelic origin.

Patronymic

Meaning

Son of Nelly, derived from a personal name possibly related to 'Niall' or 'Helen.'

Etymology

The 'Mc' prefix indicates 'son of' in Scottish Gaelic tradition. Nelly may derive from Niall or represent a diminutive form of Helen or another personal name.

About the McNelly Surname

An obscure Scottish patronymic surname with limited historical records and few documented bearers. The exact etymology remains uncertain due to sparse archival evidence.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 1,800 bearers in the United States #3,168 most common surname

Rare Common

Rare surname found primarily in Scotland with minimal international distribution.

McNelly Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the McNelly Surname

Robert McNelly

Captain

Quick Facts

Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Classification: Patronymic
Earliest Record: 17th century Scotland
Estimated Bearers: 1,800

War Records

130 soldiers with the McNelly surname found in Civil War records.

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