Meaning & Origin
A male given name from Irish.
Neil is a boy's and girl's baby name of Irish origin, anglicized from the Old Irish Niall, meaning 'cloud,' 'passionate,' or possibly 'champion.' Niall of the Nine Hostages — the legendary High King of Ireland — made the name famous across the ancient Gaelic world.
Neil Armstrong, the first human to walk on the Moon in 1969, gave the name an almost mythological association with exploration and quiet heroism. Neil Young and Neil Diamond added musical dimension. Short, strong, and effortlessly cool, Neil reached peak popularity in the mid-20th century and has aged exceptionally well.