Nigel
Meaning: Champion or black-haired
Origin: Latin/Irish
Gender: Boy
Rank in Australia: #204
Total births: 1,287
History: Nigel peaked in the 1970s in Australia. Nigel Mansell is known to Australian motorsport fans. The name carries a distinctly British-Australian character.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Australia’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (1979) | #99 |
| Babies named Nigel in 1979 | 70 |
| Total recorded in Australia | 1,287 |
| Peak year | 1972 (134 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #69 |
| Years in records | 1966–1979 (13 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 27 spots |
Frequently asked about Nigel
What does the name Nigel mean?
Nigel means “Champion or black-haired” from Latin/Irish roots.
What is the origin of the name Nigel?
Nigel has Latin/Irish origin. The traditional meaning is “Champion or black-haired”.
How popular is Nigel in Australia?
Nigel ranked #99 in Australia in 1979 — given to 70 babies that year.
When was Nigel most popular?
Nigel peaked in 1972 with 134 babies registered that year in Australia.
Is Nigel a boy or girl name?
Nigel is predominantly a boys' name in Australia — over 90% of Nigels in registered births are male.
Is the name Nigel rising or falling in popularity?
Nigel has fallen 27 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Australia — from #72 in 1974 to #99 in 1979.
How long has Nigel been recorded in Australia?
Nigel appears in birth records in Australia across 13 years — from 1966 through 1979.