Neil: Name Meaning, Origin, and Popularity

Pronunciation: ne-he-e-l
Origin: Ireland
gender-male

Emmy Samtani

Emmy Samtani

Emmy is the founder of Kiindred and mother to 3 little ones. Over the last 4 years, she has worked with some of the most credible experts in the parenting space and is a keen contributor on all things parenthood.
Updated on Aug 14, 2024 · 2 mins read
Region Origin: Western Europe
Meaning: Champion

Neil is a masculine name of Irish origin, anglicized from the Irish name Niall, which has a disputed derivation. The Irish name may be derived from words meaning "cloud," "passionate," "victory," "honor," or "champion". As a surname, Neil is traced back to Niall of the Nine Hostages, an Irish king and eponymous ancestor of various Irish dynasties. Some of the famous people named Neil include astronaut Neil Armstrong and singer Neil Young. The name Neil has a rich history, with its origins in Ireland and later spreading to Scotland and other parts of the world. During the Middle Ages, the Gaelic name of Irish origins was popular in Ireland and later Scotland. In the 20th century, Neil began to be used in England and North America, growing in popularity. The name has been associated with many historical figures and celebrities, making it a significant name with a deeply rooted heritage.

Neil Name Popularity Data

chat-overall Neil is currently #566 in the popularity of the name rankings.
gender-female Boy: Neil is currently #566 on Kiindred Boy Names
gender-male Overall Unique: Neil is currently #558 on Kiindred Unique Names
gender-male Boy Unique: Neil is currently #558 on Kiindred Boy Unique Names

Popularity Trend Chart

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Famous People Named Neil

This section lists notable individuals and public figures named Neil, showcasing their achievements and contributions in various fields.

  • Neil Armstrong: Neil Armstrong was an American astronaut and the first person to walk on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. He passed away in 2012.
  • Neil Patrick Harris: Neil Patrick Harris is an American actor, singer, and magician known for his roles in "How I Met Your Mother," "Doogie Howser, M.D.," and "A Series of Unfortunate Events."
  • Neil Young: Neil Young is a Canadian singer-songwriter and musician known for his contributions to rock music, including hits like "Heart of Gold" and "Old Man."
  • Neil deGrasse Tyson: Neil deGrasse Tyson is an American astrophysicist, author, and science communicator known for his work in popularising science and hosting "Cosmos
  • Neil Gaiman: Neil Gaiman is an English author known for his works of fiction, including "American Gods," "Coraline," and "The Sandman" comic series.
  • Neil Simon: Neil Simon was an American playwright, screenwriter and author. He wrote more than 30 plays and nearly the same number of movie screenplays, mostly film adaptations of his plays.

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