Neil Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Neil originates from the Irish Gaelic name 'Niall', meaning champion or cloud. It has evolved through various forms such as Niall and Neal. The name is historically linked to significant figures in Irish history and has maintained a perception of strength in modern times. It does not have a biblical connection.
The name Neil is most popular in North Dakota, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Baby Boomers generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Neil has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Neil' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 266th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 163rd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 175th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 189th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 253rd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 593rd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 691st out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 5044th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4514th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 6154th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 6705th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 10575th out of 27321 names. Discover how the name 'Neil' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Neil"
Pronunciation
/niːl/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
The name Neil is derived from the Gaelic name 'Niall', which is believed to mean 'champion' or 'cloud'.
Meaning
champion, cloud
Language Evolution
Niall, Neal, Neil
Historical Usage
The name Neil gained popularity in the early medieval period, particularly in Ireland and Scotland, due to the legendary Irish king Niall of the Nine Hostages.
Variants & Derivatives
Neal, Niel, Niall
Modern Popularity & Image
The name Neil is often associated with strength and leadership, enjoying moderate popularity in various English-speaking countries.
Famous People
Neil Armstrong (astronaut), Neil Gaiman (author), Neil Young (musician)
Explore More Neil Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Neil"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Neil"
"Neil" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 266th of 7545 | 7,068 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 163rd of 6773 | 17,605 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 175th of 7552 | 30,633 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 189th of 10718 | 21,821 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 253rd of 16616 | 15,968 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 593rd of 24088 | 6,410 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 691st of 23106 | 4,496 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 5044th of 9107 | 51 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 4514th of 9204 | 71 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 6154th of 12526 | 71 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 6705th of 19264 | 106 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 10575th of 27321 | 86 |
Regional Popularity of "Neil" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
14.05% 199th/1416 |
15.52% 214th/1379 |
18.22% 431st/2366 |
17.16% 196th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
9.18% 142nd/1546 |
6.56% 102nd/1556 |
13.98% 329th/2353 |
9.70% 150th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
7.14% 159th/2227 |
3.95% 96th/2430 |
10.97% 313th/2853 |
6.45% 179th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
5.45% 160th/2937 |
3.59% 125th/3483 |
7.90% 278th/3518 |
5.04% 204th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
5.10% 188th/3685 |
3.82% 171st/4475 |
7.16% 372nd/5194 |
4.62% 292nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
12.33% 565th/4582 |
7.16% 370th/5164 |
10.05% 735th/7313 |
8.12% 606th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
17.75% 707th/3984 |
11.21% 503rd/4487 |
12.66% 864th/6822 |
9.58% 601st/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Neil" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Neil"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Neil" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.