Rising since 2013, #7,885 for girls today.
Popularity of Nil since 1989
Babies named Nil per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2017, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Nil's real moment was 2024.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 0 | 6 |
| 1990s | 0 | 52 |
| 2000s | 0 | 28 |
| 2010s | 81 | 5 |
| 2020s | 77 | 31 |
Meaning & origin
Nil is a modern unisex name that first appeared in U.S. Social Security records in 2013, charting a steady rise since then. By 2025, it ranked 7,885 with approximately 1 in 123,636 newborns receiving the name. Its peak year so far was 2024, suggesting growing but still rare usage. The name has been most common in Florida. While its etymology is uncertain, suggestions include a connection to the river Nile, a short form of Nilsson, or a variant of Neal. Its concise form fits a trend for short, sleek names. Parents drawn to its simplicity and unisex appeal may find Nil an understated choice.
Nil is a modern given name in the United States, first recorded in 2013. Its use may be influenced by the river Nile, the surname Nilsson, or as a variant of Neal. Its rise in popularity is a recent phenomenon, likely a fashionable short form or an independent coinage.
Where Nil is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Nil” around the world
Where Nil lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
25
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Nile
Sibling names for Nil
Names that share Nil's style, for a brother or sister.
