Neil
BoyIrish
Neil is a boy name of Irish origin meaning "Cloud, passionate, victory, honour, champion".
About this name
Gender
Boy
Language
Irish
Popularity
14 / 100
Syllables
1
Length
4 letters
Meaning
Cloud, passionate, victory, honour, champion
Etymology
Neil is a masculine name of Irish origin. The name is an anglicisation of the Irish Niall which is of disputed derivation. The Irish name may be derived from words meaning "cloud", "passionate", "victory", "honour" or "champion".
Famous People Named Neil
- Neil Armstrong — American astronaut and lunar explorer (1930–2012)
- Neil Gaiman — English writer (born 1960)
- Neil deGrasse Tyson — American astrophysicist and science communicator
- Neil Young — Canadian singer, songwriter and filmmaker (born 1945)
- Neil Patrick Harris — American actor (born 1973)
Frequently Asked Questions About Neil
What does the name Neil mean?
Neil means "Cloud, passionate, victory, honour, champion", and is of Irish origin.
What is the origin of the name Neil?
Neil originates from Irish.
Is Neil a boy or girl name?
Neil is typically used as a boy name.
Are there famous people named Neil?
Yes — notable people named Neil include Neil Armstrong (American astronaut and lunar explorer, 1930–2012), Neil Gaiman (English writer, born 1960), Neil deGrasse Tyson (American astrophysicist and science communicator), Neil Young (Canadian singer, born 1945) and Neil Patrick Harris (American actor, born 1973).
Last updated: June 2026