Neal (Neil) is a given masculine name and surname of Gaelic and 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", "victory", "honour" 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. Surname Abbie Neal (1918–2004), American country music entertainer Adam Neal (born 1990), English rugby league player Alice B. Neal (1828–1863), American writer Arthur Neal (1903–1982), English footballer Blaine Neal (born 1978), American relief pitcher in Major League Baseball Bob Neal (Atlanta sportscaster) (born 1942), American sports broadcaster Bob Neal (Cleveland sportscaster) (1916–1983), American sports broadcaster Charles Lincoln Neal (also known as "Link") (see Rhett & Link) (born 1978), American internet personality Charlie Neal (1931–1996), American baseball player Chris Neal (born 1985), English football goalkeeper Daniel Neal (1678–1743), British historian David Dalhoff Neal (1838–1915), American artist, father of Max Neal Diane Neal (born 1976), American actress and political candidate Dylan Neal (born 1969), Canadian actor Edwin Neal (born 1945), American actor Elise Neal (born 1966), American actress Eric Neal (born 1924), Australian businessman Evan Neal (born 2000), American football player Frederick "Curly" Neal (1942–2020), American basketball player Gary Neal (born 1984), American basketball player Jackie Neal (1967–2005), American blues singer James Neal (disambiguation) Jeff Neal (born 1969), American drummer John Neal (disambiguation) Joseph Neal (1950–2017), American politician Keanu Neal (born 1995), American football player Kenny Neal (born 1957), American blues musician Larry Neal (1937–1981), American author Lorenzo Neal (born 1970), American football player Matt Neal (born 1966), 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 (known as Fannie Flagg) (born 1944), American novelist and actress Phil Neal (born 1951), English footballer Philip Neal, New York City Ballet principal dancer Raful Neal (1936–2004), American blues singer Rajion Neal (born 1992), American football player Richard Neal (born 1949), Democratic Representative representing Massachusetts' 2nd congressional district Ryan Neal (born 1995), American football player Scott Neal (born 1978), British actor Shay Neal (born 1990), New Zealand field hockey player Siran Neal (born 1994), American football player Stephen Neal (born 1976), American football player Stephen