Neill

♂ Boy

How to Pronounce Neill

Pronounced NEEL /ˈniːl/High

Meaning: Neill is a variant spelling of Neil, from the Irish Gaelic name Niall, traditionally read as 'champion' (also linked to words for 'cloud' or 'passionate'). The double-l spelling reflects the surname O'Neill; the meaning is that of Niall.Medium

In 30 seconds: Neill is a double-l spelling of Neil, from the Irish Niall — traditionally 'champion'. It was a rare American boys' name across the twentieth century (said 'NEEL').

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Origin MediumIrish

MeaningNeill is a variant spelling of Neil, from the Irish Gaelic name Niall, traditionally read as 'champion' (also linked to words for 'cloud' or 'passionate'). The double-l spelling reflects the surname O'Neill; the meaning is that of Niall.

U.S. rank (2021)#10463 ↘ Falling

2021 U.S. births7 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1950

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,834

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Neill is a variant of Neil, from the Irish Gaelic Niall, a name traditionally translated 'champion' and also linked to older words for 'cloud' or 'passion'. The extra l echoes the famous surname O'Neill, giving the first name a slightly more Irish, surname-flavored look.

As a given name Neill is a rarity throughout the record, most visible around mid-century and only ever a few dozen boys a year. It reads as a crisp, heritage-tinged variant; Neil and Neal are the common spellings, leaving Neill an uncommon but genuine Irish-styled form.

Did you know? The parent name Niall belongs to Niall of the Nine Hostages, a legendary High King of Ireland and ancestor of the powerful O'Neill dynasty.

Overall data confidence 62%

Behind the Name — Niall — Irish Gaelic, traditionally 'champion'; Neill a variant of Neil

Variations

NeilNealNeale

Nicknames

NeilNye

Famous Bearers

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If you like Neill…

Neil— the standard spelling of the same Irish name

Neal— a sister variant spelling of Neil

Niall— the original Irish Gaelic parent name

Neely— a related O'Neill-family surname-name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Neill mean?

Neill is a variant of Neil, from the Irish Gaelic Niall, traditionally 'champion'.

How do you pronounce Neill?

It's said NEEL /ˈniːl/ — one syllable.

Is Neill a boy or girl name?

Neill is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Neill?

Neill has always been rare in the U.S.; the spellings Neil and Neal are more common.