Neil
Meaning & Origin
Meaning: Champion; Cloud
Background: The name Neil originates from the Gaelic name 'Niall,' which is derived from the Old Irish term meaning 'champion' or 'cloud.' This term retains its significance through the various adaptations and uses in both Gaelic and Irish traditions.
At a glance
Quick stats based on the history of this name.
Lifetime rank
#301
Total births
104,966
Most popular decade
1950s
(53,322 births)
10-year trend
↓ Falling (-206 ranks)
Years in Top 100
0
First recorded year
1880
Gender usage
99.6% male
0.4% female
Stats by gender
Male
- First year
- 1880
- First year births
- 24
- First year rank
- #350
- Peak year
- 1954
- Peak year births
- 1,959
- Peak rank
- #147
- Most recent year
- 2024
- Recent year births
- 278
- Recent rank
- #862
Female
- First year
- 1916
- First year births
- 5
- First year rank
- #4,417
- Peak year
- 1970
- Peak year births
- 14
- Peak rank
- #4,038
- Most recent year
- 1990
- Recent year births
- 5
- Recent rank
- #12,959
Births over time
Number of babies given this name each year.
Rank over time
Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).