Pronunciation: [nˈiːl] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "Neale" is somewhat confusing as it can be pronounced differently depending on the region. In general, the word is pronounced as /niːl/ in RP or /niːl/ in General American dialect. The first sound is a long "ee" sound, followed by an "l" sound. While there are other variations on this pronunciation, this is the most common. Despite the differences in pronunciation, the spelling of the word "Neale" remains the same.
Neale is a masculine given name of English origin. It originated as a variant of Neil, which is derived from the Gaelic name Niall. The name Niall was borne by several medieval Irish kings and is believed to mean "champion" or "cloud." Over time, the variation Neale emerged as an alternative spelling of the name Neil.
In terms of its usage as a surname, Neale is a relatively common surname of English and Irish origin. As a surname, it may have been derived from the given name Neale or Neal, or it could have originated as a patronymic surname, indicating descent from someone named Neil or Neal.
A person named Neale is typically seen as friendly, compassionate, and intelligent. They are usually social individuals who enjoy building connections and have a natural ability to make others feel at ease. Neales tend to have a strong sense of justice and fairness, often advocating for equality and fighting against injustice.
In summary, Neale is a variant spelling of the name Neil, with origins in Gaelic. It can be used both as a given name and a surname. Individuals with the name Neale are often characterized as amiable, sociable, and principled.
The name "Neale" is derived from the Old French word "neel" meaning "black" or "champion". It originated as a nickname given to someone with dark hair or a dark complexion. It is also thought to have derived from the Gaelic surname "Ó Néill", meaning "descendant of Niall", which was a common Irish personal name meaning "champion" or "cloud". Over time, the spelling of the name evolved and variations such as Neal, Neil, and O'Neal emerged.
