Declining since 2008, #3,296 for girls today.
Popularity of Neela since 1972
Babies named Neela per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 41 |
| 1980s | 48 |
| 1990s | 27 |
| 2000s | 465 |
| 2010s | 524 |
| 2020s | 269 |
Meaning & origin
Neela is a name with dual heritage, drawing from both Sanskrit and Irish roots. In Sanskrit, it directly means 'blue' or 'sapphire', evoking a rich color and gemstone. The Irish connection ties it to the name Niall, suggesting 'champion'. Neela first appeared in U.S. records in 1972, and its popularity peaked in 2007, after which it has seen a gradual decline through 2025. Despite this, it remains a distinctive choice, with a one-in-34,197 frequency in the latest year. Its top state is California, reflecting a multicultural appeal. The name is primarily given to girls, and its trajectory suggests it maintains a niche but steady presence without widespread revival. Neela offers a melodic sound and cross-cultural depth, blending visual and champion-like meanings.
Neela is a name of two distinct origins. In Sanskrit (नीला), it means 'sapphire' or 'blue', and is used in India and among Hindu communities. Separately, Neela is also a Anglicized spelling of the Irish name Níala, a feminine form of Niall, which means 'champion' or 'cloud'. The name entered U.S. records in 1972, reflecting the growing interest in multicultural names during the late 20th century.
Where Neela is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Neela” around the world
Where Neela lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
40
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nee, Neel
Sibling names for Neela
Names that share Neela's style, for a brother or sister.
