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Neela

♀ Girl

Pronounced NEE-lah /ˈniːlə/High

Meaning: From Sanskrit 'nila' (नील), meaning 'blue,' specifically a deep sapphire blue associated with divine figures like Vishnu and Krishna in Hindu iconography.High

In 30 seconds: Neela is a Sanskrit name meaning 'blue,' evoking the sacred blue of the sky, the sea, and the divine — especially associated with Vishnu and Krishna.
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Origin HighSanskrit
MeaningFrom Sanskrit 'nila' (नील), meaning 'blue,' specifically a deep sapphire blue associated with divine figures like Vishnu and Krishna in Hindu iconography.
U.S. rank (2024)#3032 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births54 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2007
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,326

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200719722024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

The Sanskrit word 'nila' for blue holds deep religious significance in Hindu tradition. Blue is the color associated with the supreme deities Vishnu and Krishna, and the sky itself is considered a divine manifestation. As a given name, Neela has been used across the Indian subcontinent for centuries in communities speaking various languages including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi.

The name Neela has traveled with the South Asian diaspora to the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia, where it is recognized as a beautiful and culturally meaningful name. It carries both spiritual weight and natural beauty, evoking clear skies and deep waters.

Did you know? Neela (or Nila) is one of the names of Lord Vishnu in the Vishnu Sahasranama, the Hindu text listing a thousand names of the deity, underscoring the name's sacred significance.
Overall data confidence 93%
Monier-Williams Sanskrit Dictionary – nila — Sanskrit etymology and meaning of blueVishnu Sahasranama — Neela/Nila as a divine name

Variations

NilaNeelamNeelNila

Nicknames

NeelNee

Famous Bearers

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If you like Neela…

Indigo— color name with deep blue resonance
Nila— direct Sanskrit variant of the same name
Priya— Sanskrit feminine name popular in South Asian communities

Frequently Asked

What does the name Neela mean?

Neela means 'blue' in Sanskrit, specifically a deep sapphire blue. In Hindu tradition this color is associated with divine figures like Vishnu and Krishna.

How do you pronounce Neela?

Neela is pronounced NEE-lah, with two syllables and emphasis on the first.

Is Neela a boy or girl name?

Neela is primarily used as a girl's name, though 'Neel' is also used as a boy's name.

How popular is Neela?

Neela is popular across South Asia and is used in South Asian diaspora communities worldwide. It is relatively uncommon in Western naming charts.