Neil
Neil is an boy name of Irish Gaelic origin, meaning “Champion; possibly cloud or passionate”.
| Meaning | Champion; possibly cloud or passionate |
|---|---|
| Gender | Boy |
| Origin | Irish Gaelic |
| Pronunciation | NEEL |
| Tradition | Modern & Classic |
| Used in | Ireland, United Kingdom, United States, Canada |
Meaning and origin of Neil
Neil is the anglicised form of the Irish name Niall, borne by the semi-legendary High King Niall of the Nine Hostages. Its original meaning is uncertain: it is often explained as 'champion', while other scholars link it to words for 'cloud' or 'passion'. Norse settlers took the name to Scandinavia as Njál, and Normans brought it to England. Famous bearers include astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the Moon.
Is Neil a religious name?
Neil has no particular religious background; it is a Celtic name used by families of all backgrounds, though it has long been common in Christian Ireland and Scotland.
How popular is Neil?
Well known in English-speaking countries, most popular in the mid-twentieth century and less common for babies today.
Gifts with the name Neil
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Spellings and variants of Neil
Names similar to Neil
More boy names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Neil mean?
Neil means 'Champion; possibly cloud or passionate'. It is of Irish Gaelic origin.
Does Neil have a religious meaning?
Neil has no particular religious background; it is a Celtic name used by families of all backgrounds, though it has long been common in Christian Ireland and Scotland.
How do you pronounce Neil?
Neil is pronounced NEEL.
Is Neil a boy or girl name?
Neil is usually a boy name.