Neil
Gender: Boy
Meaning: Champion or cloud
Origin: Irish/Scottish Gaelic
Popularity: Ranked #851 in 2025 with 288 babies born.
History: Neil is a variant of Neal and derives from the Old Irish 'Niall.' It became widely used throughout the British Isles during the medieval period. The name gained global recognition in the 20th century through figures like astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first human to walk on the moon in 1969.
Famous people named Neil: Neil Armstrong (astronaut), Neil Young (musician)
Name length: 4 letters
How common is Neil? About 1 in 11,557 babies born in 2025 were named Neil, or roughly 0.8 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about Neil
What does the name Neil mean?
Neil means “Champion or cloud” from Irish/Scottish Gaelic roots.
What is the origin of the name Neil?
Neil has Irish/Scottish Gaelic origin. The traditional meaning is “Champion or cloud”.
How popular is Neil?
Neil ranked #850 in 2025 — given to 288 babies that year.
When was Neil most popular?
Neil peaked in 1954 with 1,959 babies registered that year.
Is Neil a boy or girl name?
Neil is predominantly a boys' name — over 90% of Neils in registered births are male.
Is the name Neil rising or falling in popularity?
Neil has fallen 103 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #747 in 2020 to #850 in 2025.
How long has Neil been recorded?
Neil appears in birth records across 146 years — from 1880 through 2025.