Nil

♀ Girl

Pronounced NEEL /ˈnil/Medium

Meaning: From Turkish nil, 'the Nile river; a blue water lily; the color indigo'; also a Catalan name; used for both sexes; here for girls; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: The Nile; a blue water lily: Nil is Turkish for 'the Nile; a blue water lily'. Crisp, lyrical, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for girls; said 'NEEL').

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Origin LowTurkish

MeaningFrom Turkish nil, 'the Nile river; a blue water lily; the color indigo'; also a Catalan name; used for both sexes; here for girls; routes layered

U.S. rank (2025)#8215 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births13 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2017

Total births (all-time)≈ 158

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

Nil comes from Turkish nil, 'the Nile river; a blue water lily; the color indigo' (from the same root as the Nile). It is also a Catalan name (a form of Neil). A crisp, lyrical name, used for both sexes, here for girls (slug distinguished; nickname Nil).

In the U.S. it appears in Turkish and Catalan families. Rare, the-Nile-and-a-blue-water-lily at the root, and lyrical.

Did you know? Nil means 'the Nile river; a blue water lily; the color indigo' in Turkish — a crisp, lyrical name, used for both sexes (here for girls; it is also a Catalan name; the routes are layered; said 'NEEL').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Nil — routes layered

Variations

NilNilayNilufer

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Nil…

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Neylan— another Turkish name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Nil mean?

Nil is Turkish for 'the Nile river; a blue water lily; indigo'; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Nil?

It's said NEEL /ˈnil/ — one syllable.

Is Nil a boy or girl name?

Nil is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a girl's name.

How popular is Nil?

Nil is a rare name in the U.S.