From the Gaelic 'M'Phail, son of Paul. In 1414 Gillemore M'Phale took part in an inquest in Inverness. in 1618 in Edinampell (2 ml NE of Lochearnhead) Donald McPhaull was prosecuted for illegal possession of arms. Paul, the progenitor of the Siol-Phail Sept of the Mackays was a descendant of Neil, brother of Angus Dubh, chief of clan Mackay.
