Declining since 1994, #2,077 for boys today.
Popularity of Nigel since 1929
Babies named Nigel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 6 |
| 1930s | 12 |
| 1940s | 34 |
| 1950s | 171 |
| 1960s | 317 |
| 1970s | 1,088 |
| 1980s | 1,952 |
| 1990s | 3,791 |
| 2000s | 2,845 |
| 2010s | 1,615 |
| 2020s | 455 |
Meaning & origin
Nigel is an Irish-derived name that has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States. First recorded in the U.S. in 1929, it reached its peak rank in 1994, when it was most common. Since then, its usage has been falling consistently, with the most recent data from 2025 showing it at rank 2077 and an incidence of about 1 in 24,057 births. The name has been most popular in states such as South Carolina, Florida, and California, reflecting a distribution that is both southern and coastal. While never a top-tier name, Nigel has maintained a steady presence, particularly in the 1990s, and carries a classic yet not overused feel.
Nigel is an Anglicized form of the Irish name Niall, which is of disputed origin. It may derive from the Old Irish word 'niadh' meaning 'champion', or from 'nél' meaning 'cloud'. The name gained popularity in England during the Middle Ages, often Latinized as Nigellus. It saw a revival in the 20th century, particularly in the United Kingdom.
Where Nigel 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.
“Nigel” around the world
Where Nigel lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nige, Nigs
Sibling names for Nigel
Names that share Nigel's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Nigel
Names whose popularity has moved with Nigel's over the last 50 years.
