Nigel Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationNYE-juhl / /ˈnaɪ.dʒəl/Latin; Old French; English
Meaning
Latin: 'champion'; Old French: 'black'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Nigel has roots in Latin, derived from 'nigellus', meaning 'black' or 'dark'. It became popular in England during the Middle Ages, often associated with the Norman Conquest. The name has been borne by various notable figures throughout history, contributing to its enduring presence in English-speaking countries.
Trend Summary
Nigel has seen a decline in popularity in the United States since the 1970s.
Similar Names
Variants
- Nig
- Nige
International Variants
- Nigel (English)
- Nigel (French)
Famous people named Nigel
Nigel Farage is a British politician known for his role in the UK Independence Party and advocating for Brexit.
Nigel Mansell is a retired British racing driver who won the Formula One World Championship in 1992.
Nigel Havers is a British actor recognized for his work in film, television, and theatre.
Nigel Kennedy is a renowned British violinist and conductor, celebrated for his interpretations of classical music.
Fictional characters named Nigel
Nigel Thornberry is a character from the animated series 'The Wild Thornberrys', known for his adventurous spirit and love for wildlife.
Nigel is a character in the film 'The Incredibles', serving as a henchman to the villain Syndrome.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Nigel was first seen in the United States in 1929. Nigel has ranked as high as #816 nationally, which occurred in 1994, and has been most popular in New York, California, Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina. In the past 5 years the name Nigel has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Nigel (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| FL | 7 | |
| NY | 6 | |
| VA | 6 | |
| IN | 5 | |
| TX | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1929 | 6 |
| 1934 | 7 |
| 1936 | 5 |
| 1941 | 7 |
| 1946 | 6 |
| 1947 | 7 |
| 1948 | 9 |
| 1949 | 5 |
| 1950 | 9 |
| 1951 | 5 |
| 1952 | 11 |
| 1953 | 10 |
| 1954 | 20 |
| 1955 | 26 |
| 1956 | 15 |
| 1957 | 29 |
| 1958 | 24 |
| 1959 | 22 |
| 1960 | 22 |
| 1961 | 26 |
| 1962 | 26 |
| 1963 | 22 |
| 1964 | 28 |
| 1965 | 27 |
| 1966 | 23 |
| 1967 | 44 |
| 1968 | 45 |
| 1969 | 55 |
| 1970 | 56 |
| 1971 | 95 |
| 1972 | 89 |
| 1973 | 95 |
| 1974 | 90 |
| 1975 | 132 |
| 1976 | 123 |
| 1977 | 146 |
| 1978 | 117 |
| 1979 | 145 |
| 1980 | 165 |
| 1981 | 191 |
| 1982 | 145 |
| 1983 | 161 |
| 1984 | 154 |
| 1985 | 194 |
| 1986 | 208 |
| 1987 | 208 |
| 1988 | 240 |
| 1989 | 286 |
| 1990 | 315 |
| 1991 | 317 |
| 1992 | 384 |
| 1993 | 432 |
| 1994 | 447 |
| 1995 | 405 |
| 1996 | 383 |
| 1997 | 372 |
| 1998 | 373 |
| 1999 | 361 |
| 2000 | 349 |
| 2001 | 305 |
| 2002 | 280 |
| 2003 | 266 |
| 2004 | 237 |
| 2005 | 276 |
| 2006 | 309 |
| 2007 | 303 |
| 2008 | 271 |
| 2009 | 249 |
| 2010 | 216 |
| 2011 | 194 |
| 2012 | 178 |
| 2013 | 170 |
| 2014 | 155 |
| 2015 | 173 |
| 2016 | 144 |
| 2017 | 150 |
| 2018 | 125 |
| 2019 | 108 |
| 2020 | 79 |
| 2021 | 94 |
| 2022 | 71 |
| 2023 | 73 |
| 2024 | 66 |