Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Neela
GirlSanskrit, Hindi· “dark blue”
- Meaning
- dark blue
- Origin
- Sanskrit, Hindi
- Pronunciation
- NEE-luh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #3,332
- US babies 2025
- 47
- Best rank
- #2,000 (2007)
- Peak year
- 2007
Meaning and origin of Neela
Neela is a Sanskrit and Hindi name that means “dark blue”.
Neela comes from the Sanskrit nila, "dark blue," a word used in Indian languages for sapphire, the sky and the deep color of the ocean. Blue carries strong associations in Hindu imagery, since Krishna and Shiva are often shown with blue skin, and the element also appears in names such as Neelam, meaning sapphire. Neela is used as a given name across South Asia and in the diaspora. In English it is said NEE-luh, which makes it easy to carry from one language to another. Close relatives include Nila and Nilah. Mira, Tara and Leela share its compact, two-syllable shape.
Popularity over time
Neela first appears in US Social Security records in 1972. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #2,000 in 2007, the same year it reached its highest count of 103 babies. In 2025, 47 babies were named Neela, and it ranked #3,332 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #7,890 in 1980, #2,668 in 2010, and #3,332 in 2025. Of the 1,374 US girls named Neela since records began, 38% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 465 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Bianka, Madelynne, Arriana, Aaniyah, and Damya.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Neela ranked highest in California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #1555 | 15 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Neela is usually pronounced NEE-luh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with N and ends in “-la”.
Middle names for Neela
A few middle names that flow with Neela: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Neela
Similar names
Leela Girl
LEE-luh
“play, divine play” · Sanskrit
#1,282
Nila Girl
NEE-luh
“dark blue” · Sanskrit
#1,754
Shaila Girl
SHY-luh
“of the mountain, rock” · Sanskrit
#5,211
Lila Girl
LY-luh
“play (Sanskrit); night (Arabic)” · Sanskrit
#187
Nala Girl
NAH-luh
“uncertain; also a hero of Indian epic” · Sanskrit
#856
Asha Girl
AH-shuh
“hope” · Sanskrit
#1,373
Aarya Girl
AHR-yuh
“noble” · Sanskrit
#1,258
Meera Girl
MEER-uh
“uncertain; possibly 'ocean' or 'boundary'” · Sanskrit
#1,020
Isha Girl
EE-shuh
“ruler, lord” · Sanskrit
#1,276
Aarna Girl
AR-nuh
Sanskrit
#1,540
Jaya Girl
JY-uh
“victory” · Sanskrit
#2,204
Tanvi Girl
TAHN-vee
“slender, delicate” · Sanskrit
#4,059
Lists that include Neela
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Neela mean?
Neela is a Sanskrit and Hindi name that means “dark blue”.
What is the origin of the name Neela?
Neela has Sanskrit and Hindi roots. Neela comes from the Sanskrit nila, "dark blue," a word used in Indian languages for sapphire, the sky and the deep color of the ocean.
Is Neela a popular name?
Not especially. Neela ranked #3,332 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Neela a boy or girl name?
Neela is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Neela?
Neela is usually pronounced NEE-luh. 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