Rising since 2009, #3,757 for boys today.
Popularity of Nilo since 1917
Babies named Nilo per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 |
| 1920s | 27 |
| 1930s | 11 |
| 1940s | 15 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 16 |
| 1970s | 17 |
| 1980s | 24 |
| 1990s | 35 |
| 2000s | 26 |
| 2010s | 79 |
| 2020s | 149 |
Meaning & origin
Nilo is a name of uncertain origin, used primarily in Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese cultures. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1917, and as of 2025 it ranked 3,757th, with approximately 1 in every 58,899 boys receiving the name. Nilo has been rising in popularity since 2009, reaching its highest rank so far in 2024. The name is most common in Texas and California, reflecting its Hispanic and Mediterranean connections. Despite its obscurity, Nilo's simplicity and melodic sound have contributed to its gradual ascent.
Nilo is most commonly used in Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese contexts. It may derive as a diminutive of names like Manilo or Senilo, or as a variant of the Gaelic name Neil, meaning "champion." It also coincides with the Spanish and Italian names for the Nile River, though this is unlikely to be the direct source for most bearers.
Where Nilo is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Nilo” around the world
Where Nilo lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Nilo
Names that share Nilo's style, for a brother or sister.
