William Boy
WIHL-yuhm
“resolute protector” · Germanic
#9
Neel
BoySanskrit, Hindi· “blue”
- Meaning
- blue
- Origin
- Sanskrit, Hindi
- Pronunciation
- NEEL
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #1,581
- US babies 2025
- 108
- Best rank
- #1,216 (2009)
- Peak year
- 2009
Meaning and origin of Neel
Neel is a Sanskrit and Hindi name that means “blue”.
Neel comes from the Sanskrit nīla, meaning blue or dark blue. In Hindu tradition blue is associated with the sky and with deities such as Krishna and Shiva, and the word also appears in names for sapphire. Neel has been used in India and among Indian families worldwide as a simple, meaningful boy's name. Its spelling may also recall the Irish name Neil, which is unrelated. Neel is usually pronounced NEEL. Crisp and brief, it is easy to say in many languages, which makes it practical for families living between cultures.
Other spellings with the same sound: Neil, Neal, Neill, Niel, Neale.
Popularity over time
Neel first appears in US Social Security records in 1918. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,216 in 2009, the same year it reached its highest count of 148 babies. In 2025, 108 babies were named Neel, and it ranked #1,581 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #4,135 in 1920, #2,420 in 1980, #1,534 in 2000, #1,254 in 2010, and #1,581 in 2025. Of the 3,392 US boys named Neel since records began, 28% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 947 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Ishan, Blayne, Bayron, Grayden, and Caeden.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Neel ranked highest in New Jersey, Massachusetts, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | #637 | 11 |
| Massachusetts | #865 | 5 |
| California | #926 | 25 |
| Virginia | #1055 | 6 |
| Washington | #1102 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Neel is usually pronounced NEEL, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with N and ends in “-el”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Neil, Neal, Neill, and Niel.
Middle names for Neel
A few middle names that flow with Neel: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Neel
Similar names
Jai Boy
JY
“victory” · Sanskrit
#1,460
Dhruv Boy
DROOV
“fixed, constant; pole star” · Sanskrit
#1,100
Reyansh Boy
ray-AHNSH
“often said ray of light” · Sanskrit
#1,448
Dev Boy
DAYV
“god, deity” · Sanskrit
#1,427
Ansh Boy
UHNSH
“portion, part” · Sanskrit
#2,109
Yash Boy
YAHSH
“fame, glory” · Sanskrit
#2,675
Darsh Boy
DARSH
“sight, vision” · Sanskrit
#3,258
Ram Boy
RAHM
“pleasing (Sanskrit); high, exalted (Hebrew)” · Sanskrit
#2,671
Raj Boy
RAHJ
“king, rule” · Sanskrit
#4,671
Jael Unisex
jay-EHL
“mountain goat” · Hebrew
#1,393
Lael Unisex
LAY-ehl
“belonging to God” · Hebrew
#1,952
Mael Boy
mah-EL
“prince, chief” · Breton
#1,104
Lists that include Neel
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Neel mean?
Neel is a Sanskrit and Hindi name that means “blue”.
What is the origin of the name Neel?
Neel has Sanskrit and Hindi roots. Neel comes from the Sanskrit nīla, meaning blue or dark blue.
Is Neel a popular name?
Not especially. Neel ranked #1,581 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Neel a boy or girl name?
Neel is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Neel?
Neel is usually pronounced 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