Neal
Neal is a boy's name of Celtic origin.
Meaning
Champion, passionate, or cloud.
Origin and history
Neal is an English form derived from the Gaelic name Niall, which traditionally means champion or cloud. It was widely introduced to England by the Norse-Gaels and later passed into mainstream usage across the English-speaking world. In the United States, it enjoyed steady popularity throughout the mid-20th century and remains a classic, recognizable name.
Popularity in the United States
55,048 babies in the United States have been named Neal since 1880. It ranks #473 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1365.
States where it is most popular
- NY (9.5 %)
- CA (8.1 %)
- IL (6.2 %)
- PA (5.6 %)
- OH (5.4 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 361 |
| 1890-1900 | 373 |
| 1900-1910 | 456 |
| 1910-1920 | 1,943 |
| 1920-1930 | 3,858 |
| 1930-1940 | 4,083 |
| 1940-1950 | 6,158 |
| 1950-1960 | 10,735 |
| 1960-1970 | 9,361 |
| 1970-1980 | 6,011 |
| 1980-1990 | 5,426 |
| 1990-2000 | 3,143 |
| 2000-2010 | 1,371 |
| 2010-2019 | 1,191 |
| 2020-2029 | 578 |
Famous people named Neal
- Neal Stephenson: Author, Novelist
- Neal Schon: Musician, Guitarist
- Neal McDonough: Actor
Fun facts
- The name derives from the Old Irish name Niall, famous in Irish legend through figures like Niall of the Nine Hostages.
- Neal is a common alternative spelling of Neil, sharing the exact same pronunciation and origin.