William Boy
WIHL-yuhm
“resolute protector” · Germanic
#9
Neil
BoyIrish, Scottish· “uncertain; possibly 'champion' or 'cloud'”
- Meaning
- uncertain; possibly 'champion' or 'cloud' (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Irish, Scottish
- Pronunciation
- NEEL
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #851
- US babies 2025
- 288
- Best rank
- #146 (1953)
- Peak year
- 1954
Meaning and origin of Neil
Neil is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly 'champion' or 'cloud'”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish and Scottish roots.
Neil comes from the Irish Niall, a name whose meaning is uncertain; suggestions include champion, cloud and passionate. Niall of the Nine Hostages, a legendary high king of Ireland, was ancestor of many Irish families. The name spread to Scotland and England and became a surname as well. Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the Moon, is a famous bearer. Neil feels friendly and classic. The spelling Neal is also common, and related forms include Niall, Nial and Neill. The name suits parents who want something short, familiar and quietly distinguished.
Other spellings with the same sound: Neal, Neel, Neill, Niel, Neale.
Popularity over time
Neil has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #146 in 1953, and the most babies received it in 1954, when 1,959 were named Neil. In 2025, 288 babies were named Neil, and it ranked #851 nationally. That is 30% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #247 in 1920, #156 in 1950, #181 in 1980, #495 in 2000, #687 in 2010, and #851 in 2025. Of the 104,869 US boys named Neil since records began, 17% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1970s come next, with 14,040 babies. Since 2010, 5,879 more have been named Neil.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Garry, Terrence, Fredrick, Dwight, and Jerome.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Neil ranked highest in New Jersey, Washington, and Utah.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | #462 | 17 |
| Washington | #491 | 15 |
| Utah | #503 | 9 |
| Virginia | #513 | 15 |
| Oregon | #577 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Neil is usually pronounced NEEL, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with N and ends in “-il”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Neal, Neel, Neill, and Niel.
Middle names for Neil
A few middle names that flow with Neil: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Neil
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Lists that include Neil
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Neil mean?
Neil is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly 'champion' or 'cloud'”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish and Scottish roots.
What is the origin of the name Neil?
Neil has Irish and Scottish roots. Neil comes from the Irish Niall, a name whose meaning is uncertain; suggestions include champion, cloud and passionate.
Is Neil a popular name?
Yes. Neil ranked #851 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Neil a boy or girl name?
Neil is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Neil?
Neil 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