Neil - Name Meaning and Origin

The boy's name Neil \neil\ is pronounced neel. It is of Irish and Gaelic origin, and its meaning is "champion". Scottish variant of Niall. Also possibly "cloud" and "passionate". The most famous Celtic king of Ireland was Niall of the Nine Hostages. See also Nelson and Nyles. Astronaut Neil Armstrong; singers Neil Diamond, Neil Young; playwright Neil Simon; actor Sam Neill.

Neil has 18 variant forms: Neal, Neale, Neall, Nealle, Nealon, Neel, Neilan, Neile, Neill, Neille, Neils, Nels, Nial, Niall, Niel, Nile, Niles and Oneal.

For more information, see also related names Niels and Cornelius.

Baby names that sound like Neil are Noel, Neely, Newel and Noll.

Neil is a very popular male first name and a very popular surname (source: 1990 U.S. Census). Displayed below is the baby name popularity trend for the boy's name Neil. Click here to compare Neil with related baby names.