Boy Name · Irish Origin
Neil
Last reviewed: June 2026
Neil is a boy baby name of Irish origin, meaning "Cloud, champion". It currently sits in the Top 500 tier of US baby names for 2026, and parents who love Neil often also consider Neal.
Names like Neil
Frequently asked about Neil
What does the name Neil mean?
Neil means "Cloud, champion" and is of Irish origin.
What is the origin of Neil?
Neil originates in Irish naming tradition.
How do you pronounce Neil?
Neil has 4 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Is Neil a boy's or girl's name?
Neil is primarily used as a boy's name in US records.
How popular is Neil in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Neil sits in the Top 500 tier — familiar without being overly common.
What names are similar to Neil?
Names that share Neil's sound and style include Neal, Neill, Neel, Nello, Neale.