Neil vs Gary

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Neil

Boy #866 Most Popular 1 Syllable

"cloud"

Origin: Old Irish

Irish Scottish English Scandinavian

✓ All Clear

Boy #1,133 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"spear ruler"

Origin: Germanic

American English Irish

12 High Risk

{:type=>:nickname, :severity=>:medium, :message=>"'Gary' can be twisted to 'scary'"}

Neil Rank #866

Gary Rank #1,133

Neil is more popular, ranked #866 vs #1133 for Gary.

Is Neil or Gary more popular?

Neil is more popular, ranked #866 compared to Gary at #1133 in the United States.

What do Neil and Gary mean?

Neil means "cloud" (Old Irish origin). Gary means "spear ruler" (Germanic origin).

Are Neil and Gary boy or girl names?

Neil is primarily a boy name. Gary is primarily a boy name.