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Neil Boy

Popularity: #650 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationNEEL / /niːl/

Irish; English

Meaning

Irish: champion; English: cloud

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Neil has its roots in the Gaelic name Niall, which is believed to derive from the Old Irish word 'niadh', meaning 'champion' or 'cloud'. The name Niall was borne by several notable figures in Irish history, most famously Niall of the Nine Hostages, a legendary 5th-century king of Tara who is often credited with the early spread of Christianity in Ireland. The name transitioned into the Anglicized form Neil during the Middle Ages, particularly as the influence of the English language grew in Ireland and Scotland, where the name was also adopted and adapted.

In the 12th century, the name Neil began to appear in various forms in English records, often associated with the Gaelic nobility. The name gained further prominence through the 17th and 18th centuries, as it was borne by several notable figures, including Neil O'Neill, a prominent Irish chieftain during the Nine Years' War in the late 16th century. The name also appears in various historical texts and translations, including the King James Bible, where it is sometimes referenced in the context of Irish heritage.

Culturally, the name Neil has been associated with strength and leadership, reflecting its etymological roots in the concept of a champion. The name has also been linked to various saints, including Saint Neil, a lesser-known figure in early Christian history. The diminutive form 'Niall' remains significant in Irish culture, maintaining a connection to the name's Gaelic origins. Overall, Neil's historical and cultural significance is deeply intertwined with the legacy of Irish nobility and the broader narrative of Gaelic heritage.

Trend Summary

The name Neil has seen a decline in popularity in the United States since the mid-20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Niall
  • Neal

International Variants

  • Noé (French)
  • Nilo (Spanish)

Famous people named Neil

Neil Armstrong is an astronaut best known for being the first person to walk on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission.

Neil Gaiman is an author best known for American Gods, Coraline, and The Sandman.

Neil Patrick Harris is an actor best known for How I Met Your Mother, Doogie Howser, M.D., and Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

Neil Young is a musician best known for his work with Buffalo Springfield, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and his solo career.

Neil deGrasse Tyson is an astrophysicist best known for his work in popularizing science and hosting Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey.

Neil Simon is a playwright and screenwriter best known for The Odd Couple, Brighton Beach Memoirs, and Biloxi Blues.

Neil Peart is a musician best known as the drummer and primary lyricist for the rock band Rush.

Neil Jordan is a filmmaker best known for The Crying Game, Interview with the Vampire, and Michael Collins.

Neil Tennant is a musician best known as a member of the Pet Shop Boys and for hits like West End Girls and It's a Sin.

Neil LaBute is a playwright and filmmaker best known for In the Company of Men, Fat Pig, and reasons to be pretty.

Fictional characters named Neil

Neil Gaiman is a fictional character from the comic book series The Sandman. He is the anthropomorphic personification of dreams and one of the Endless, playing a crucial role in the narrative's exploration of dreams and reality.

Neil Perry is a fictional character from the novel and film Dead Poets Society. He is a passionate student who struggles against his father's expectations to pursue his love for acting.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Neil was first seen in the United States in 1880. Neil has ranked as high as #317 nationally, which occurred in 1954, and has been most popular in New York, California, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Neil has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Neil (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 56
26%
TX 28
13%
WA 19
9%
MA 12
6%
VA 10
5%
NY 10
5%
OH 10
5%
IL 10
5%
NC 8
4%
FL 8
4%
GA 8
4%
PA 8
4%
MN 7
3%
TN 7
3%
MI 6
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188024
18816
188219
188323
188423
188526
188624
188721
188823
188928
189029
189125
189236
189328
189430
189531
189647
189726
189835
189926
190050
190132
190228
190328
190441
190542
190637
190742
190855
190943
191054
191158
1912151
1913184
1914232
1915289
1916375
1917356
1918359
1919366
1920489
1921497
1922489
1923508
1924541
1925563
1926600
1927609
1928696
1929696
1930826
1931882
1932934
1933997
1934953
1935858
1936913
1937969
19381,066
19391,068
19401,067
19411,075
19421,101
19431,154
19441,140
19451,210
19461,343
19471,460
19481,406
19491,471
19501,609
19511,755
19521,904
19531,937
19541,959
19551,785
19561,747
19571,676
19581,711
19591,633
19601,446
19611,525
19621,291
19631,446
19641,529
19651,320
19661,227
19671,155
19681,050
19691,680
19701,566
19711,422
19721,305
19731,297
19741,323
19751,331
19761,354
19771,430
19781,527
19791,486
19801,348
19811,330
19821,342
19831,226
19841,125
19851,206
19861,152
19871,078
1988999
19891,027
19901,029
1991918
1992791
1993784
1994704
1995678
1996579
1997526
1998489
1999490
2000462
2001443
2002381
2003384
2004338
2005380
2006398
2007305
2008327
2009396
2010342
2011358
2012391
2013394
2014397
2015414
2016425
2017422
2018425
2019422
2020324
2021360
2022330
2023305
2024278