William Boy
WIHL-yuhm
“resolute protector” · Germanic
#9
Niel
BoyIrish, Dutch· “variant of Neil, or form of Cornelius”
- Meaning
- variant of Neil, or form of Cornelius (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Irish, Dutch
- Pronunciation
- NEEL
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #13,333
- US babies 2025
- 5
- Best rank
- #1,552 (1958)
- Peak year
- 1958
Meaning and origin of Niel
Niel is often said to mean “variant of Neil, or form of Cornelius”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish and Dutch roots.
Niel can be read in two ways. In English it is usually a spelling of Neil, from the Irish Niall, a name of uncertain meaning; suggestions include champion and cloud. Niall of the Nine Hostages was a legendary Irish king. In Dutch and Afrikaans, Niel is a short form of Cornelius or Daniel. Because of these different sources, the meaning should be treated as uncertain. It is said NEEL. Neil, Neal and Niall are related forms. The name is short and simple.
Other spellings with the same sound: Neil, Neal, Neel, Neill, Neale.
Popularity over time
Niel first appears in US Social Security records in 1913. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,552 in 1958, the same year it reached its highest count of 26 babies. In 2025, 5 babies were named Niel, and it ranked #13,333 nationally.
Its national rank moved from #2,558 in 1920, #1,599 in 1950, #2,423 in 1980, #7,969 in 2000, #10,431 in 2010, and #13,333 in 2025. Of the 1,384 US boys named Niel since records began, 15% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1940s come next, with 169 babies. Since 2010, 89 more have been named Niel.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Drexel, Mart, Niels, Kemp, and Tandy.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Niel 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, Neel, and Neill.
Middle names for Niel
A few middle names that flow with Niel: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Niel
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Lists that include Niel
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Niel mean?
Niel is often said to mean “variant of Neil, or form of Cornelius”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish and Dutch roots.
What is the origin of the name Niel?
Niel has Irish and Dutch roots. Niel can be read in two ways.
Is Niel a popular name?
Not especially. Niel ranked #13,333 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Niel a boy or girl name?
Niel is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Niel?
Niel 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