Niel
Niel is a boy's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Champion, cloud, or passionate.
Origin and history
Niel is a variant spelling of Neil or Neal, derived from the Gaelic name Niall. Its etymology is historically associated with meanings such as 'champion', 'cloud', or 'passionate'. In the United States, it is a rare masculine given name with steady, low-frequency usage.
Popularity in the United States
1,384 babies in the United States have been named Niel since 1880. It ranks #3332 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1899.
States where it is most popular
- NY (61.5 %)
- CA (25.6 %)
- WI (12.8 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 58 |
| 1920-1930 | 109 |
| 1930-1940 | 154 |
| 1940-1950 | 169 |
| 1950-1960 | 213 |
| 1960-1970 | 168 |
| 1970-1980 | 136 |
| 1980-1990 | 129 |
| 1990-2000 | 86 |
| 2000-2010 | 73 |
| 2010-2019 | 61 |
| 2020-2029 | 28 |
Famous people named Niel
- Niel Bushnell: author, animator
Fun facts
- Niel is an uncommon alternative spelling of Neil, which originates from the ancient Irish name Niall.
- Though far less common than Neil, Niel has been recorded consistently in small numbers in U.S. birth records since 1880.