Holding steady.
Popularity of Neale since 1916
Babies named Neale per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 27 |
| 1920s | 165 |
| 1930s | 190 |
| 1940s | 168 |
| 1950s | 106 |
| 1960s | 92 |
| 1970s | 62 |
| 1980s | 78 |
| 1990s | 22 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 5 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Neale is a name with roots in English surnames, originally signifying someone who lived near a nook or corner. First recorded as a given name in 1916, it reached its peak popularity in 1937. Although it has no rank in the 2025 data and a 1-in-N figure that is not available, its trajectory remains stable, suggesting a quiet but enduring presence. The name has never been a common choice, and no top states for its usage are recorded. Neale offers a concise, straightforward option that echoes the more familiar Neil while maintaining its own distinct history.
Neale is a transferred use of the English surname which originated as a topographic name for someone who lived by a nook or corner of land, from Middle English 'ele' (Old English 'ealo' or 'nook'). The name has also been historically used as a variant of Neil, though its etymology is distinct. It saw modest use as a given name in the early 20th century, peaking around 1937.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Neil
Sibling names for Neale
Names that share Neale's style, for a brother or sister.
