Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Anil
BoySanskrit, Hindi· “air, wind”
- Meaning
- air, wind
- Origin
- Sanskrit, Hindi
- Pronunciation
- uh-NEEL
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- Unranked
- US babies 2025
- 0
- Best rank
- #1,370 (1974)
- Peak year
- 1989
Meaning and origin of Anil
Anil is a Sanskrit and Hindi name that means “air, wind”.
Anil is an Indian name from the Sanskrit anila, air or wind. In Hindu tradition, Anila is also a name of Vayu, the god of wind. Anil is used widely across India and among Indian families abroad. It is said uh-NEEL, with the stress on the second syllable. The name has a light, airy meaning and a simple sound that is easy to say in English. Anila is the feminine form.
Popularity over time
Anil first appears in US Social Security records in 1959. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,370 in 1974, and the most babies received it in 1989, when 46 were named Anil. It did not appear in the 2025 data, which only lists names given to at least five babies.
Its national rank moved from #1,729 in 1980, #3,082 in 2000, and #7,620 in 2010. Of the 1,160 US boys named Anil since records began, 29% were born in the 1980s, its biggest decade. The 1970s come next, with 276 babies. Since 2010, 62 more have been named Anil.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Kervin, Donzell, Frantz, Nathon, and Marque.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Anil is usually pronounced uh-NEEL, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with A and ends in “-il”.
Middle names for Anil
A few middle names that flow with Anil: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Anil
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Lists that include Anil
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Anil mean?
Anil is a Sanskrit and Hindi name that means “air, wind”.
What is the origin of the name Anil?
Anil has Sanskrit and Hindi roots. Anil is an Indian name from the Sanskrit anila, air or wind.
Is Anil a popular name?
No. Anil was not recorded for five or more babies of its most common sex in 2025, so it is rare today.
Is Anil a boy or girl name?
Anil is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Anil?
Anil is usually pronounced uh-NEEL. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings