Nil is a name of Egyptian origin, derived from the ancient Egyptian word "Nile" which refers to the Nile River, the longest river in the world and a crucial source of life for Egypt. The name Nil is also associated with the god Neith, an important deity in Egyptian mythology who was often depicted as a woman holding a spear and shield.
The meaning of the name Nil varies depending on the interpretation, but it generally translates to "victorious" or "conquering." This could be a reference to the power and strength of the Nile River or the triumphant nature of the goddess Neith.
Throughout history, the name Nil has been used by various cultures and civilizations. In ancient Egypt, Nil was a popular name for both males and females. It is believed that many Egyptian pharaohs had names containing "Nile" such as Amenemhat III (meaning "Amun is satisfied with Nile") or Neferhotep II (meaning "Beautiful is the manifestation of Neith"). In other cultures, variations of Nil have been used, such as Nile in English-speaking countries or Nilo in Italy and Spain.
Today, Nil continues to be a unique and distinctive name choice. While it may not be as common as some other names, its Egyptian origins and powerful meaning make it an attractive option for parents looking for something different yet significant.
The name Nil has seen a fluctuating trend in popularity over the past decade in the United States. In 2013, there were 5 births with this name. The number increased slightly to 6 births in 2014 before jumping to 10 births each in 2015 and 2016. There was a significant rise in popularity from 2017 onwards, with 19 births recorded that year. This high was followed by another peak of 18 births in 2018. Although there was a dip to 13 births in 2019, the trend seemed to stabilize around this number with 13 births again in 2021 and 12 births in 2022. The most recent data available shows that Nil continued its popularity with 16 births recorded in 2023.
Overall, over these ten years (2013-2023), there have been a total of 127 births registered with the name Nil in the United States. Despite some variations in popularity from year to year, it is clear that this name has maintained a consistent presence among newborns during this period.