Declining since 1985, #850 for boys today.
Popularity of Neil since 1880
Babies named Neil per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1954, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Neil's real moment was 1933.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 217 |
| 1890s | 313 |
| 1900s | 398 |
| 1910s | 2,424 |
| 1920s | 5,688 |
| 1930s | 9,466 |
| 1940s | 12,427 |
| 1950s | 17,715 |
| 1960s | 13,668 |
| 1970s | 14,040 |
| 1980s | 11,833 |
| 1990s | 6,987 |
| 2000s | 3,814 |
| 2010s | 3,992 |
| 2020s | 1,887 |
Meaning & origin
Neil is a classic Irish and Scottish name that saw its heyday in the early 20th century. It peaked at rank 85 in 1933, reflecting strong popularity among English-speaking families of the time. Since 1985, its usage has been steadily declining, falling to rank 850 by 2025. The name remains most common in Utah, Washington, and New Jersey, suggesting endurance in certain regional pockets. Though less common today, Neil carries a straightforward, no-nonsense image that fits well with other traditional favorites like James, Charles, and Scott.
Neil is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Niall, which is of debated origin. It may derive from the Old Irish word "niadh" meaning "champion" or from "nél" meaning "cloud." The name was borne by several early Irish kings and legendary figures, including the 5th-century high king Niall of the Nine Hostages. It spread to Scotland and England, becoming a common given name in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Where Neil is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Neil” around the world
Where Neil lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
60
babies in 2024
Ireland
10
babies in 2025
Quebec
9
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Niall
Sibling names for Neil
Names that share Neil's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Fiona, Erin, Claire, Megan, Catherine, Alayne, Genea, Ginelle, Tonna, Niketa, Parnika, Soumya, Nellene, Geanine, Reene
Brothers: Patrick, Sean, Ryan, Kevin, Brian, Cary, Craig, Glen, Lyle, Allan, Delane, Gale, Deane, Graig, Shad, Aldrin, Creig, Lisle, Doak, Keath, Keil, Nain, Huie, Iniyan, Raun
Names like Neil
Names whose popularity has moved with Neil's over the last 50 years.
