Neil is a name of Scottish and Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name Niall, which means "champion" or "cloud". It is also associated with the Norse name Niels, meaning "Champion of the people".
The name Neil has a long history in Scotland and Ireland, dating back to ancient times. One of the most famous historical figures named Neil was Niall Noígíallach, a High King of Ireland who ruled from 379 to 405 AD. He was known for his great strength and bravery, which earned him the title "Niall of the Nine Hostages".
In Scotland, the name Neil is associated with Clan MacNeil, a Highland clan that traces its ancestry back to Niall of the Nine Hostages. The MacNeils are known for their fierce loyalty and courage, qualities that have been passed down through generations.
Today, Neil remains a popular name in both Scotland and Ireland, as well as in other parts of the world. It is often associated with intelligence, creativity, and ambition, reflecting the historical figures who bore the name before them.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Neil has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past century and a half in the United States.
The earliest year listed is 1880, with 24 births that year. The following year saw a decrease to just 6 births, indicating a relatively uncommon usage of the name at that time. Throughout the late 19th century, the number of births named Neil fluctuated but remained generally low, ranging from a high of 50 births in 1900 to a low of 23 births in 1883.
However, the early 20th century marked a turning point for the name Neil. In 1912, there were 151 births, more than doubling the previous high of 50 in 1900. This trend continued throughout the decade, reaching 489 births by 1920. The 1920s saw a steady increase in popularity, peaking at 696 births in both 1928 and 1929.
The 1930s brought another significant jump in popularity, with the number of births named Neil reaching 826 in 1930. This decade also marked the start of a consistent upward trend that lasted for nearly five decades. The highest point of this period was reached in 1976, with 1430 births.
However, after the mid-1970s, the popularity of the name Neil began to decline. It dipped below 1000 births per year from 1982 onwards, and by 1991, there were only 791 births named Neil in the U.S. This downward trend continued throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s.
Despite this decline, the name Neil has maintained a steady level of popularity in recent years. Since 2015, the number of births named Neil has hovered around the mid-300s to low-400s, with 425 births recorded in both 2016 and 2018.
In conclusion, while the name Neil has seen periods of significant popularity and decline over time, it remains a well-established and recognizable name in the United States today.