Neil

Pronunciation: [ n-EEL ]

Boy Name #866 Most Popular Steady 1 Syllable

From High Kings to the moon — a champion's name

Irish Scottish English Scandinavian

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Meaning & Origin

"cloud"

Origin: Old Irish

Language: Irish

"passionate, earnest"

Origin: Gaelic

Language: Scottish Gaelic

The Story of Neil

Neil comes from the Old Irish Niall, whose meaning is debated among scholars: some trace it to nel meaning cloud, others to niadh meaning champion or hero. It was the name of the legendary High King of Ireland Niall of the Nine Hostages, whose descendants, the Ui Neill dynasty, dominated Irish politics for centuries. The Norse form Njal entered Scandinavia through Viking contact with Ireland, while Norman forms spread the name throughout medieval Europe.

Neil enjoyed strong popularity in mid-20th century America and Britain, peaking in the 1950s-1970s. Neil Armstrong walking on the moon in 1969 gave the name an iconic, aspirational association. It has since declined in new registrations but remains widely recognized.

Niall of the Nine Hostages is one of the most famous High Kings of Ireland — genetic research suggests he may be the ancestor of millions of people with Irish heritage worldwide. Neil Armstrong's moon landing in 1969 made the name synonymous with human achievement.

Fun Facts

Neil Armstrong was the first human to walk on the moon in 1969
Some genetic studies suggest Niall of the Nine Hostages may have up to 3 million male-line descendants today

Neil in Other Languages

Irish Niall

Latin Nigellus

Norse Njal

Welsh Neilo

Scottish Gaelic Niall

Famous People Named Neil

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Scientist

1958

American astrophysicist, author, and science communicator

Neil Young

Musician

1945

Canadian rock musician and songwriter known as the Godfather of Grunge

Neil Armstrong

Explorer

1930

American astronaut and the first human to walk on the moon, on July 20, 1969

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 1
Popularity Rank: #866
Total SSA Count: 278
Cultural Origins: Irish Scottish English Scandinavian
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Alternative Spellings

Neithan #1371 Neizan #1970

Pairs Well With

Neil James Neil Thomas Neil Patrick Neil Robert Neil Alan Neil Gordon

Sibling Names

Colin Brendan Siobhan Fiona Sean Eileen

Also a Girl Name

Neil is also used as a girl name, ranked #69006.

View Neil as a girl name →

Similar Names

Neal Noel Kyle Nyle Neel Steele Niall Steel

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Frequently Asked Questions About Neil

What does the name Neil mean?

"cloud" (from Old Irish). "passionate, earnest" (from Gaelic). Neil comes from the Old Irish Niall, whose meaning is debated among scholars: some trace it to nel meaning cloud, others to niadh meaning champion or hero. It was the name of the legendary High King of Ireland Niall of the Nine Hostages, whose descendants, the Ui Neill dynasty, dominated Irish politics for centuries. The Norse form Njal entered Scandinavia through Viking contact with Ireland, while Norman forms spread the name throughout medieval Europe.

What is the origin of the name Neil?

Neil has Old Irish, Gaelic, Irish, Scottish, English, and Scandinavian origins. In Old Irish, it means "cloud". In Gaelic, it means "passionate, earnest".

Is Neil a boy or girl name?

Neil is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #866. As a girl name, it is ranked #69006. Neil is more commonly used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Neil?

Neil is pronounced n-EEL.

How popular is the name Neil?

Neil is currently ranked #866 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are good middle names for Neil?

Popular middle name pairings include Neil James, Neil Thomas, Neil Patrick, Neil Robert, Neil Alan, and Neil Gordon.

What are good sibling names for Neil?

Names that pair well with Neil as siblings include Colin, Brendan, Siobhan, Fiona, Sean, and Eileen.

How many syllables does Neil have?

Neil has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Neil a common or rare name?

Neil is moderately common, ranked #866 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.

About the Name Neil

Neil is a boy name with Irish, Scottish, English, and Scandinavian origins . The name means "cloud" in Old Irish .

Is Neil a boy or girl name? Neil is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #866 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #69,006. Neil is more commonly used as a boy name.

Neil is currently ranked #866 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Neil has 1 syllable and is pronounced n-EEL, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Alternative spellings of Neil include Neithan, Neizan . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.