Neil vs Howard

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Neil

Boy #866 Most Popular 1 Syllable

"cloud"

Origin: Old Irish

Irish Scottish English Scandinavian

✓ All Clear

Boy #1,056 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"high guardian, high watchman"

Origin: Old Norse

English American

✓ All Clear

Neil Rank #866

Howard Rank #1,056

Neil is more popular, ranked #866 vs #1056 for Howard.

Is Neil or Howard more popular?

Neil is more popular, ranked #866 compared to Howard at #1056 in the United States.

What do Neil and Howard mean?

Neil means "cloud" (Old Irish origin). Howard means "high guardian, high watchman" (Old Norse origin).

Are Neil and Howard boy or girl names?

Neil is primarily a boy name. Howard is primarily a boy name.