Declining since 1985, #12,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Niel since 1913
Babies named Niel per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1958, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Niel's real moment was 1931.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 58 |
| 1920s | 109 |
| 1930s | 154 |
| 1940s | 169 |
| 1950s | 213 |
| 1960s | 168 |
| 1970s | 136 |
| 1980s | 129 |
| 1990s | 86 |
| 2000s | 73 |
| 2010s | 61 |
| 2020s | 28 |
Meaning & origin
The name Niel is a variant spelling of Neil, drawing from the Gaelic Niall, a name with ancient Irish roots. Its meaning is uncertain but is often interpreted as 'champion' or 'cloud'. In the United States, Niel first appeared on records in 1913, with its peak usage occurring in 1931, during a time when many traditional Irish names gained popularity. Since 1985, its usage has been steadily declining. In 2025, Niel ranked 12,008, with roughly 1 in 341,615 boys receiving the name. It has not recorded any top-state concentration, reflecting its widespread but rare use. Niel remains a subtle alternative to the more common Neil, appealing to those who favor concise names with Celtic heritage.
Niel is a variant spelling of Neil, which itself derives from the Gaelic name Niall. The meaning of Niall is debated; it may come from the Old Irish word 'niadh' meaning 'champion' or 'cloud'. The name has been borne by several legendary Irish kings and is common throughout Ireland and Scotland. This particular spelling Niel is less common but has appeared in the U.S. since the early 1900s.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Niel
Names that share Niel's style, for a brother or sister.
