Declining since 1999.
Popularity of Nijel since 1987
Babies named Nijel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 15 |
| 1990s | 109 |
| 2000s | 138 |
| 2010s | 63 |
| 2020s | 13 |
Meaning & origin
Nijel first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1987, a modern respelling of the more established Nigel. Its peak year was 2000, when it was given to a small number of boys, but its usage has been declining since 1999. Although the name has never ranked in the top 1000, its 1-in-N rate is unavailable due to rarity. Nijel did not appear on any state's top-name lists, indicating very limited geographic spread. The name's trajectory suggests it remains a niche choice, likely favored by parents seeking a distinctive spelling of a classic-sounding name.
Nijel appears to be a modern respelling of the name Nigel, which itself derives from the Irish Niall, brought to England by the Normans as Neel. The spelling with 'j' likely arose in the late 20th century as a stylistic variation. Its first recorded use in the U.S. is 1987, with a peak in 2000.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Nigel
Sibling names for Nijel
Names that share Nijel's style, for a brother or sister.
