Neill is a unique and distinctive name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name Niall, which means "champion" or "cloud". This name has been associated with several prominent figures in Irish history, including Niall of the Nine Hostages, a High King of Ireland who reigned during the 5th century.
The name Neill has a rich and storied history that dates back centuries. According to legend, Niall of the Nine Hostages was a powerful king who took nine hostages from each of the other Irish kingdoms as a symbol of his power and authority. He was also known for his military prowess and is said to have conquered much of Ireland during his reign.
Over time, the name Niall evolved into Neill, and it has been passed down through generations of Irish families. Today, Neill remains a popular name in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora around the world. It is often associated with strength, courage, and leadership, qualities that were personified by its historical namesake.
Despite its Irish origins, Neill is not exclusively an Irish name. It has been adopted by people of various backgrounds and nationalities who appreciate its unique sound and meaning. Whether you're Irish or not, if you bear the name Neill, you carry with you a proud heritage that stretches back centuries to the ancient kings of Ireland.
The name Neill has seen a varied trend in its popularity over the past century in the United States. From 1912 to 2021, there were a total of 1834 babies named Neill.
During the early 20th century, the name's popularity fluctuated annually between 6 and 36 births per year. The highest points during this period occurred in the late 1940s to mid-1950s, with peaks of 36 births in 1950 and 33 births in 1947.
The name Neill saw a decline in popularity from the late 1950s onwards. Between 1956 and 1987, there were less than 25 births per year on average. The lowest point was reached in 1987 with only 10 births that year.
Since the late 1980s, the name Neill has maintained a steady but low level of popularity. From 1988 to 2021, there have been between 5 and 34 births per year, with most years falling between 10 and 25 births.
In recent years, the name Neill has seen a slight increase in popularity, with 7 or more births each year since 2012. This suggests that while Neill may not be among the most popular names, it continues to be chosen for newborns at a steady pace in the United States.