Declining since 2005, #4,067 for girls today.
Popularity of Neely since 1888
Babies named Neely per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 | 0 |
| 1890s | 10 | 6 |
| 1900s | 0 | 18 |
| 1910s | 13 | 75 |
| 1920s | 11 | 98 |
| 1930s | 5 | 61 |
| 1940s | 10 | 46 |
| 1950s | 0 | 54 |
| 1960s | 62 | 5 |
| 1970s | 408 | 17 |
| 1980s | 287 | 6 |
| 1990s | 274 | 5 |
| 2000s | 534 | 0 |
| 2010s | 439 | 0 |
| 2020s | 181 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Neely is a rare and understated name that has seen modest use in the United States since the late 19th century. First recorded in 1888, the name reached its peak popularity in 1974, when it was most common in Tennessee, the top state for the name. Since 2005, its usage has been steadily declining, reflecting a broader trend away from surname-style given names. Today, Neely is given to approximately 1 in 46,000 newborns, making it an uncommon but familiar-sounding choice.
Neely is of uncertain origin. It may have emerged as a feminine diminutive of Neila, an English name, or as a transferred use of the Irish surname Neely. The name saw occasional use in the United States from the late 19th century onward, with a notable peak in popularity during the 1970s.
Where Neely is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lee, Neel
Sibling names for Neely
Names that share Neely's style, for a brother or sister.
