All about the name

Neils

Male

« Neil is an English name with Old Norse roots, derived from Niels meaning 'corpse's wolf'. »

#18562 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Neil is a name of English origin, derived from the Old Norse name Niels or Nigel. The Old Norse form Niels comes from the elements "nil" meaning "corpse" and "ulf" meaning "wolf." Thus, the name Niels translates to "corpse's wolf," which may have been used as a nickname for someone who was considered fierce or dangerous. The use of the name Neil can be traced back to the Middle Ages in England. It was common among the Norman nobility who had settled in England after the Norman Conquest in 1066. The name became more widespread during the Victorian era when it was often used as a short form of other names such as Nigel, Neill, or Neilson. Today, Neil is still a popular name in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has been worn by many notable individuals throughout history, including Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, and Neil Young, a legendary singer-songwriter. Despite its somewhat morbid origin, the name Neil has evolved into a strong and respected moniker that continues to be beloved by parents around the world.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Neils since 1880

Total births
78
Total since 1880
Peak year
1918
8 births
in 1988
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years