Neal (Neil) is a given name, and surname of Irish origin. The name is an Anglicisation of the Irish Niall which is of disputed derivation. The Irish name may be derived from words meaning "cloud", "passionate", or "champion". As a surname, Neil is traced back to Niall of the Nine Hostages who was an Irish king and eponymous ancestor of the Uí Néill and MacNeil kindred. Most authorities cite the meaning of Neal in the context of a surname as meaning champion.SurnameAbbie Neal, American country music entertainer Adam Neal, English rugby league player Alice B. Neal, American writer Arthur Neal (footballer) Blaine Neal, American relief pitcher in Major League Baseball Bob Neal, American sports broadcaster Bob Neal, American sports broadcaster Charles Lincoln 'Link' Neal American internet personality Charlie Neal, American baseball player Chris Neal, English football goalkeeper Daniel Neal, British historian David Dalhoff Neal, American artist, father of Max Neal Diane Neal, American actress Dylan Neal, Canadian actor Edwin Neal, American actor Elise Neal, American actress Eric Neal, Australian businessman Frederick "Curly" Neal (1942–2020), American basketball player Gary Neal, American basketball player Jackie Neal, American blues singer James Neal (disambiguation) Jeff Neal, American drummer John Neal (disambiguation) Joseph Neal (1950-2017), American politician Keanu Neal, American football player Kenny Neal, American blues musician Larry Neal, American author Lorenzo Neal, American football player Matt Neal, British racing driver Max Neal (1865–1941), German playwright, son of David Dalhoff Neal Patricia Neal (1926-2010), Academy Award-winning American actress Patricia Neal, American novelist and actress Phil Neal, English footballer Philip Neal, New York City Ballet principal dancer Raful Neal, American blues singer Rajion Neal, American football player Richard Neal, Democratic Representative representing Massachusetts' 2nd congressional district Ryan Neal, American football player Scott Neal, British actor Shay Neal, New Zealand field hockey player Siran Neal, American football player Stephen Neal, American football player Stephen L. Neal, former North Carolina Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives (1975–1995). Tom Neal (1914–1972), American actor Ty Neal, American college baseball coach William Neal, English painter and graphic designerGiven nameNeal Adams, American comic book artist Neal Ardley, English footballer and manager of AFC Wimbledon Neal Morse, American singer and multi-instrumentalist Neal Boortz, American radio host Neal Brennan, American writer, stand-up comedian, actor, director and producer Neal Cassady, American beatnik who was the basis for Jack Kerouac's character Dean Moriarty Neal Marlens, American television producer, creator of The Wonder Years Neal Shapiro, American equestrian and Olympic medalist Neal Stephenson, American writer Neal Walk (1948–2015), American basketball centerPlacesNeal, Georgia, a community in the United States Neal, Kansas, a community in the United States Neal, West Virginia, a community in the United States
