Niela
A girl's name of Irish origin with 67 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Only 67 babies have been named Niela in recorded U.S. history. That level of rarity means your child would almost certainly be the only one in their school, their workplace, and most rooms they walk into — a genuinely one-of-a-kind choice.
In the most recent SSA release, Niela ranks #16945 among U.S. girl names — distinctive enough to stand out.
Niela is a girl's baby name of Irish origin, a feminine form of Neil meaning 'champion' or 'cloud,' from the Irish Gaelic Niall. The -ela ending gives this ancient Celtic name a Romance language warmth and feminine grace.
Niall/Neil is one of Ireland's oldest and most prestigious names, borne by the legendary High King Niall of the Nine Hostages, whose descendants ruled Ireland for centuries. Niela feminizes this powerful heritage with a flowing -ela ending that makes it feel both Celtic and internationally elegant.
EtymologyShow more
Niela first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1992. First appearing in the 1990s, Niela emerged during a period of rapid naming innovation in America, when parents increasingly created new names or adopted them from global cultures.
Its Irish classification suggests a path from irish linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Niela has 11+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1992.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 16 | ▲ |
| 2010s | 12 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 33 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 6 | — |
The Story of Niela
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2006, Niela is a name that defines a generation. Girls named Niela are most likely born between 1996 and 2016.
How rare is Niela?
Only about 1 in every 720,000 babies born in 2024 was named Niela — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1992, peaked in the 2000s with 33 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Niela by the numbers
- Would fill 1 school bus
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(11 years, 1992–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | #16945 |
| 2023 | 5 | #16919 |
| 2020 | 6 | #14638 |
| 2012 | 5 | #18795 |
| 2010 | 7 | #14561 |
| 2009 | 5 | #19402 |
| 2008 | 5 | #19656 |
| 2006 | 9 | #12150 |
| 2005 | 7 | #14101 |
| 2003 | 7 | #13441 |
| 1992 | 6 | #12875 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Niela a boy's or girl's name?
When was Niela most popular?
How popular is the name Niela?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1992–2024