The surname Meneely is of Irish origin, with its roots tracing back to County Donegal in the north-west of Ireland. It is derived from the Irish Gaelic word "Mín Fhéilí," which translates to "smooth plain" or "smooth field."

This surname likely emerged during the medieval period when many Irish families adopted hereditary surnames based on their geographical locations or the characteristics of the lands they inhabited. The earliest known record of the Meneely name dates back to the 16th century, with references found in various historical documents from that era.

One notable historical reference is the mention of a "Donnell Meneely" in the Annals of the Four Masters, a chronicle of medieval Irish history compiled by the Franciscan scholars of Donegal in the early 17th century. This entry suggests that the Meneely family had established a presence in County Donegal by that time.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Meneely surname began to spread beyond its initial stronghold in Donegal as family members migrated to other parts of Ireland and further afield. One prominent individual bearing this name was John Meneely (1789-1862), a renowned bell founder from Derry who established the Meneely Bell Foundry, which produced church bells for numerous congregations across Ireland and the United States.

Another notable figure was James H. Meneely (1819-1892), born in Londonderry, who founded the Meneely Bell Company in West Troy, New York. This company became a leading manufacturer of church bells in the United States, with their products adorning many historic churches and public buildings throughout the country.

In the realm of literature, the Meneely surname gained recognition through the works of Irish author Mary Meneely (1902-1976), whose novels and short stories captured the lives and experiences of the Irish people in the early 20th century.

Other notable individuals with the Meneely surname include Patrick Meneely (1890-1962), a prominent Irish nationalist and member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, and John Meneely (1879-1957), a successful businessman and philanthropist from New York who made significant contributions to various educational and charitable organizations.

While the Meneely name may have originated from a specific region in Ireland, it has since spread across the globe, carried by generations of families who have left their mark on various aspects of history, from industry and commerce to literature and politics.