Rising since 1986, #1,571 for boys today.
Popularity of Neel since 1918
Babies named Neel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 13 |
| 1920s | 16 |
| 1930s | 5 |
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 14 |
| 1960s | 22 |
| 1970s | 119 |
| 1980s | 289 |
| 1990s | 456 |
| 2000s | 947 |
| 2010s | 964 |
| 2020s | 542 |
Meaning & origin
Neel is a name with a dual heritage, equally at home in South Asia and the English-speaking world. In its Sanskrit form, Neel means 'blue' and has been a staple among Hindu families for centuries. As a variant of Neil, it carries the Gaelic meaning of 'champion' and has been used in Scotland and Ireland. In the U.S., Neel has been recorded since 1918, but its rise has been driven primarily by the Indian American community. The name reached its peak rank of 1,571 in 2009, and since 1986 it has been on an upward trajectory, reflecting both immigration trends and the broader American embrace of shorter, vowel-heavy names. Its most common states include New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Virginia, areas with significant South Asian populations. Despite its rank in the thousands, Neel is a name that bridges cultures without becoming overly common.
Neel derives from the Sanskrit nīla (नील), meaning 'dark blue' or 'sapphire,' a color long associated with the god Krishna in Hindu tradition. In Scotland and Ireland, Neel is also a spelling variant of Neil, which comes from the Gaelic Niall, meaning 'champion' or 'cloud.' The name has been used in India for centuries and entered English-speaking usage through South Asian diaspora communities, overlapping with the existing Gaelic form.
Where Neel is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Neel
Names that share Neel's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Anjali, Priya, Mira, Leela, Riya, Akshara, Jiya, Kamya, Kavya, Reva, Siya, Veda, Aasha, Adithi, Anoushka, Ashna, Daya, Devika, Kriti, Nayana, Nishka, Pranavi, Richa, Rithika, Saisha, Sarayu, Sehaj, Srinika, Suhana, Swara, Veera, Vibha, Yashica, Ashika, Divisha, Harnoor, Janki, Manasi, Mihika, Nirali, Rachna, Shikha, Shila, Shrinika, Simar, Vrinda, Anshi, Anandi, Anjalee, Anokhi, Apoorva, Aryaa, Aryahi, Ashvi, Dhwani, Dhyana, Ekta, Eshani, Krishana, Kruti, Mayuri, Minal, Moksha, Namita, Navika, Nitara, Nitika, Parisha, Pranika, Ravina, Savani, Shristi, Sindhu, Sunjai, Taara, Varenya, Vinisha, Viveka
Brothers: Aarav, Ravi, Vikram, Kiran, Rohan, Anish, Arjun, Ishaan, Aaditya, Aakash, Aariv, Akshaj, Amay, Kavish, Krishan, Param, Pranay, Prithvi, Ruhaan, Saketh, Shiven, Shrey, Sidharth, Sohan, Tanay, Tanish, Abhi, Jivan, Kavari, Mayank, Vishwa, Jash, Anir, Jag, Jigar, Kaushal, Malhar, Manas, Nandan, Pranish, Saagar, Safal, Sahan, Samrat, Sanay, Smaran, Vinayak
