William Boy
WIHL-yuhm
“resolute protector” · Germanic
#9
Niall
BoyIrish· “possibly champion or cloud”
- Meaning
- possibly champion or cloud (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- NY-uhl
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #1,706
- US babies 2025
- 96
- Best rank
- #1,578 (2024)
- Peak year
- 2024
Meaning and origin of Niall
Niall is often said to mean “possibly champion or cloud”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish roots.
Niall is an old Irish name whose meaning is uncertain; it is often explained as champion or cloud, though neither is confirmed. It was borne by Niall of the Nine Hostages, a legendary high king of Ireland from whom the O'Neill dynasty claimed descent. Vikings adopted the name as Njáll, and it later passed into English as Neil. It is pronounced NY-uhl in the United States, or NEE-uhl in Ireland. The singer Niall Horan has made it familiar to a new generation.
Other spellings with the same sound: Nile.
Popularity over time
Niall first appears in US Social Security records in 1955. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,578 in 2024, the same year it reached its highest count of 110 babies. In 2025, 96 babies were named Niall, and it ranked #1,706 nationally. That is 74% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #3,771 in 1980, #2,563 in 2000, #5,182 in 2010, and #1,706 in 2025. Of the 2,094 US boys named Niall since records began, 28% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 523 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Kahari, Radley, Jacobo, Hendrick, and Nehemias.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Niall ranked highest in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | #866 | 5 |
| Pennsylvania | #987 | 8 |
| Ohio | #1212 | 6 |
| California | #1484 | 12 |
| New York | #1965 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Niall is usually pronounced NY-uhl, with one syllable. It has five letters, starts with N and ends in “-ll”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Nile.
Middle names for Niall
A few middle names that flow with Niall: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Niall
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Lists that include Niall
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Niall mean?
Niall is often said to mean “possibly champion or cloud”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish roots.
What is the origin of the name Niall?
Niall has Irish roots. Niall is an old Irish name whose meaning is uncertain; it is often explained as champion or cloud, though neither is confirmed.
Is Niall a popular name?
Not especially. Niall ranked #1,706 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Niall a boy or girl name?
Niall is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Niall?
Niall is usually pronounced NY-uhl. 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