Neely is a unique and interesting given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname "Neeley," which itself comes from the Gaelic "O'Niall," meaning "descendant of Niall." Niall was a legendary High King of Ireland, and his descendants were known as the Uí Néill dynasty.
The name Neely has been used as both a male and female given name in recent times. However, it is more commonly associated with females today. Its unique sound and spelling make it a distinctive choice for parents looking for something different for their child's name.
In terms of its meaning, Neely does not have a specific definition or set of characteristics associated with it beyond its derivation from the Irish surname O'Niall. However, it is often said to evoke images of strength, courage, and determination, qualities that were likely associated with the Uí Néill dynasty throughout history.
Today, Neely remains a relatively uncommon given name but continues to be used by families who appreciate its unique sound, Irish heritage, and strong historical connections. It is also sometimes spelled as "Neely" or "Neeley," adding further variation to this intriguing name.
Statistics on the Name Neely
The name Neely has been used consistently but not extensively over the past century in the United States. Here are some interesting statistical insights:
From 1890 to 1975, there were a total of 391 babies named Neely born in the U.S., with the most popular years being 1928 and 1931, each with 13 births.
The name Neely appeared on the Social Security Administration's (SSA) list of the top 1000 names for girls only once, in 1924, at position number 965. This suggests that while it has been used to some extent, it hasn't been a particularly popular choice.
The years with the highest numbers of Neelys born were:
* 1918: 11 births
* 1927 and 1928: 13 births each
After 1975, there was a decline in usage. Between 1976 and 2004, only five Neelys were born each year on average. However, since then, the name has seen a slight resurgence:
* From 2005 to 2020, an average of nine Neelys were born annually.
While not highly popular, the name Neely carries a unique charm and has been given to hundreds of babies in the U.S. over the past century. Its usage patterns show that it was more common in the early to mid-20th century but continues to be used today, albeit at lower frequencies.