Nigel - Name Meaning and Origin

The boy's name Nigel \n(i)-gel\ is pronounced NYE-jel. It is of Irish and Gaelic origin, and its meaning is "champion". Variant of Niall. Also possibly (Latin) "black". The name traveled well. Niall in Ireland and Scotland became Njal in Scandinavia, was latinized to Nigellus in Normandy, then became Nigel in England. Niguel (ni-GEL) is a Spanish variant. Actor Nigel Havers.

Nigel has 5 variant forms: Nigellus, Niguel, Nijel, Njal and Nygel.

Baby names that sound like Nigel are Nagel, Naegel, Nicol and Nikhel.

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