Show ContentsMeally History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Meally

What does the name Meally mean?

The age-old Hebrides islands and the west coast of Scotland are the ancestral home of the Meally family. Their name comes from the personal name Neil. The Gaelic form Mac Neill translates as son of Neil.

Early Origins of the Meally family

The surname Meally 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 Meally family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Meally 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 Meally History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Meally Spelling Variations

Medieval spelling was at best an intuitive process, and translation between Gaelic and English was no more effective. These factors caused an enormous number of spelling variations in Dalriadan names. In fact, it was not uncommon to see a father and son who spelled their name differently. Over the years, Meally has been spelled MacNeil, MacNeill, MacNeal, MacNeilage, MacNeale, MacNeall, MacNeille, MacNeel, MacNiel, MacGreal, Mcneil, Mcneill, McNeal, Mcneal, Mcneall and many more.

Early Notables of the Meally family

Notable 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 Meally Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Meally family to Ireland

Some of the Meally 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.


Meally migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Meally Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. James Meally, (O'Meley), (b. 1814), aged 18, Irish labourer who was convicted in County Mayo, Ireland for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the "City of Edinburgh II" on 18th March 1832, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1896 1
  • Mr. John Meally, (O'Meley, O'Maille), (b. 1798), aged 34, Irish labourer who was convicted in County mayo, Ireland for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the "City of Edinburgh II" on 18th March 1832, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 1
  • John Meally (aged 21), a labourer, who arrived in South Australia in 1856 aboard the ship "Aurora"
  • Michael Meally (aged 18), a labourer, who arrived in South Australia in 1856 aboard the ship "Aurora"
  • William Meally (aged 16), a labourer, who arrived in South Australia in 1856 aboard the ship "Aurora"
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)


The Meally Motto +

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.


  1. Convict Records of Australia. Retrieved 11th February 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/city-of-edinburgh


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