Niall Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationNEE-al / nɪəlIrish; Gaelic
Meaning
Irish: champion; Gaelic: cloud
Historical & Cultural Background
Niall is a traditional Irish name with roots in Gaelic culture. It has been borne by several notable historical figures, including Niall of the Nine Hostages, a legendary 5th-century king of Tara. The name has remained popular in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora. In modern times, it has gained recognition in various cultures, particularly due to its use in popular media.
Trend Summary
Niall has seen a steady presence in baby name rankings in the United States, particularly among those with Irish heritage.
Similar Names
Variants
- Nial
- Niallán
International Variants
- Nial (English)
- Niall (Scottish)
Famous people named Niall
Niall Horan is an Irish singer-songwriter known for being a member of the boy band One Direction.
Niall Ferguson is a Scottish historian and author recognized for his works on economic history.
Niall O'Brien is an Irish cricketer who has played for the national team.
Niall Quinn is a former Irish footballer and sports pundit, known for his time in the English Premier League.
Fictional characters named Niall
Niall is a character in the book series 'The Darkest Powers' by Kelley Armstrong, known for his mysterious abilities.
Niall is a character in the TV series 'The Vampire Diaries', depicted as a powerful vampire.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Niall was first seen in the United States in 1955. Niall has ranked as high as #1251 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in New York, California, Massachusetts, Texas, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Niall has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Niall (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 15 | |
| NY | 15 | |
| PA | 6 | |
| TX | 6 | |
| IL | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1955 | 5 |
| 1956 | 6 |
| 1958 | 6 |
| 1959 | 7 |
| 1960 | 6 |
| 1961 | 8 |
| 1962 | 7 |
| 1963 | 7 |
| 1964 | 14 |
| 1967 | 5 |
| 1968 | 10 |
| 1969 | 11 |
| 1970 | 14 |
| 1971 | 16 |
| 1972 | 8 |
| 1973 | 7 |
| 1974 | 7 |
| 1975 | 12 |
| 1976 | 11 |
| 1977 | 7 |
| 1978 | 8 |
| 1979 | 11 |
| 1980 | 11 |
| 1981 | 8 |
| 1982 | 14 |
| 1983 | 7 |
| 1984 | 10 |
| 1985 | 8 |
| 1986 | 21 |
| 1987 | 15 |
| 1988 | 18 |
| 1989 | 28 |
| 1990 | 25 |
| 1991 | 45 |
| 1992 | 30 |
| 1993 | 35 |
| 1994 | 37 |
| 1995 | 31 |
| 1996 | 34 |
| 1997 | 35 |
| 1998 | 29 |
| 1999 | 33 |
| 2000 | 37 |
| 2001 | 34 |
| 2002 | 32 |
| 2003 | 39 |
| 2004 | 34 |
| 2005 | 28 |
| 2006 | 35 |
| 2007 | 33 |
| 2008 | 33 |
| 2009 | 22 |
| 2010 | 18 |
| 2011 | 34 |
| 2012 | 43 |
| 2013 | 69 |
| 2014 | 64 |
| 2015 | 55 |
| 2016 | 53 |
| 2017 | 76 |
| 2018 | 96 |
| 2019 | 68 |
| 2020 | 66 |
| 2021 | 84 |
| 2022 | 77 |
| 2023 | 89 |
| 2024 | 109 |