Neill name, is it a English corruption for Nils Fr

[daveseibert]

This probably isn't my Sarah Friend that married Robert Wilson, but I'm making a stab in the dark. This marriage is recorded twice in the Pa. Archives, first in Second Series, Vol. 2, pg. 315, and secondly in the Second Series, Vol. 3. Pg. 290, both having the same date of 1772 Feb. 17.
Both are a Robert Wilson ( common name ), married to a Sarah NEILL.

Was wondering if the name Neill is a correption for the name Nils and if from any one records has any branch of the family used that form for a surname?

This is especially directed to Pat Thompson, who is so knowledgeable with the history of the Friend family. Thanks very much in advance. Dave.

[Pat (Friend) Thompson]

Dave,
I don't have the information at my finger tips, but I believe in a one or so of the very old (mid to late 1600's) church records In DE, there may be records showing Andrew Friend as Andrew Neales. After these few records he always shows up as Andrew Friend.

I don't think any of Nilsson Larsson Friend's family permanently adopted the surname Neales/Neill or any other variation of the name.

Of course, in genealogy we should never say "never". I am just saying I personally know of no children of Nils' line having used a variation of his given name as their surname except in the above mentioned records.