WorldNameData

Neil

Name meaning, origin, pronunciation, and popularity rankings

How to pronounce the name Neil
Pronunciation guide for Neil
ARPA
N IY1 L
IPA
nil

Pronunciation Breakdown

Detailed phonetic analysis of how to say Neil

Syllables (1)

N IY1 L

Bold syllables indicate primary stress

Sound Breakdown

N
knee (n)
IY1
eat (i)
L
lee (l)

International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)

nil

Standard international representation

Pronunciation Tips

• This is a single-syllable name, pronounced in one smooth sound.

• Emphasize the syllable marked in bold for correct pronunciation.

Name Statistics
Key metrics and characteristics of Neil

Structure

Character Count
4
Syllable Count
1
Vowel Ratio
50%
Name Family
neil

Usability

Pronunciation Difficulty3/10

Easy to pronounce

International Friendliness10/10

Works well across languages

DNA profile of the name Neil
Unique character and personality of the name Neil

Name Personality

The Classic
Classic
Timeless
Strong

Key Characteristics

Length
Short

Concise and memorable

Rhythm
Monosyllabic

Simple and direct

Sound
Balanced

Mix of vowels and consonants

Ease
Simple

Easy for most speakers

Global
Universal

Works across cultures

Heritage
neil

Part of this name family

Letter Frequency

n×1
e×1
i×1

Most frequent letters in Neil

Visual Pattern

Tall bars = vowels, Short bars = consonants

Name Statistics

📊
Syllables
1 syllable
🗣️
Ease of Pronunciation
Easy
3/10 difficulty
🌍
International Friendliness
Excellent
10/10 global ease
Pronunciation Difficulty Comparison

How does Neil compare to the average name?

Neil3/10 😊
3.0
Average Name5.0/10
5.0

Neil is easier than average by 2.0 points.

Difficulty Scale:

Very Easy (0–2)
Easy (2–4)← Neil
Moderate (4–6)
Challenging (6–8)
Difficult (9–11)
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Name Family

Names related to Neil (root: neil)

Current Name

Neil

Related Names (9)

Short variations:

Neila
Neile
Neili

Medium variations:

Neilah
Neilan
Neilani
Neilas
Neilesh
Neilia

Neil belongs to a family of 10 related names.

What does the name Neil mean?
The meaning and origin of Neil

The name Neil has no known meanings.

Name Numerology
Numerological analysis and letter patterns for Neil

Life Path Number

22
The Master Builder

Master number representing the ability to turn dreams into reality on a grand scale.

Visionary
Practical
Transformative
Powerful

✨ This is a Master Number, indicating special spiritual significance

Most Common Letters

n×1
e×1
i×1
l×1

Sound Composition

Vowels
2(50%)
Consonants
2(50%)

Consonant-heavy names tend to sound more crisp and strong

Numerology Breakdown

n5
e5
i9
l3

Each letter is assigned a number (1-9). These are added together and reduced to find your Life Path Number.

Notable People Named Neil
Famous individuals named Neil
👤

Neil Christian

British singer (1943–2010)

Born: 1943

👤

Neil Carson

Irish cricketer (born 1973)

Born: 1973

👤

Neil Clark Warren

co-founder of eHarmony

Born: 1934

👤

Neil Chrisley

American baseball player (1931–2013)

Born: 1931

👤

Neil Castles

American race car driver (1934–2022)

Born: 1934

👤

Neil Cherry

New Zealand scientist (1946–2003)

Born: 1946

👤

Neil Clabo

American football player (1952–2024)

Born: 1952

👤

Neil Chandler

Australian rules footballer

Born: 1949

👤

Neil Chriss

American mathematician

Born: 1967

How popular is the name Neil?
Popularity rankings for Neil around the world
CountryGenderRankYears
Australiaboy#981985-1985
Canadaboy#761981-1981
Franceboy#4862008-2008
United Kingdomboy#5072003-2003
United Statesboy#6262018-2018
Country Comparison
How Neil ranks across different countries

Showing top 5 countries by ranking (lower rank = more popular)

What names are similar to Neil?
Names similar to Neil
NeilNeilaNeilahNeilanNeilaniNeilasNeileNeileshNeiliNeilia
What words rhyme with the name Neil?
Rhyming words for Neil
adriel
anneal
appeal
automobile
averill
azbill
beal
beale
beall
becerril
beel
beil
biehl
biel
bleil
brasil
brazeal
braziel
briel
camille

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you pronounce Neil?
IPA: /nil/ ARPA: N IY1 L This name is very easy to pronounce.
How many syllables are in Neil?
Neil has 1 syllable.
Is Neil easy to pronounce?
Neil is relatively easy to pronounce for most English speakers. It doesn't contain uncommon sound combinations.
Is Neil easy to pronounce internationally?
Yes, Neil is extremely international-friendly (10/10). It uses sounds that are common across many languages and cultures, making it easy for people worldwide to pronounce.
Who are some famous people named Neil?
There are 100 notable people named Neil. This name has significant cultural presence and recognition.
What names are similar to Neil?
Names similar to Neil include: Neila, Neilah, Neilan, Neilani, Neilas. These names share similar sounds or roots.
Is Neil a good baby name?
Neil makes an excellent baby name! It's easy to pronounce and internationally friendly, making it a great choice for parents looking for these qualities in a name.
Is Neil a boy or girl name?
Neil can be used for any gender, though usage varies by culture and region. Check the rankings section to see gender distribution patterns.
How do you spell Neil?
The name is spelled N-e-i-l. Common spelling variations include: Neila, Neilah, Neilan.
What does the name Neil mean?
The name Neil has various meanings depending on cultural origin. Names often carry rich cultural, historical, and linguistic significance passed down through generations. Different cultures and languages may attribute different meanings to the same name, reflecting diverse traditions and histories.
What middle names go well with Neil?
Middle names that pair well with Neil include: Elizabeth, Alexander, Benjamin. Consider the flow and rhythm when saying the full name aloud. Names with different syllable counts often create a pleasant cadence.
What sibling names pair well with Neil?
Sibling names that pair well with Neil include: Neila, Neilah, Neilan, Neilani. These names share similar origins, sounds, or cultural backgrounds, creating a cohesive family naming theme.
Will teachers be able to pronounce Neil?
Yes, Neil is very straightforward to pronounce. Teachers and other adults will have no difficulty with this name. It uses common sound patterns that are familiar to most English speakers.
What culture is the name Neil from?
Neil has a multicultural heritage, with potential roots in multiple linguistic and cultural traditions. Many names have complex etymological paths, being borrowed, adapted, and adopted across different cultures throughout history. This cultural journey often enriches the name with multiple layers of meaning and significance, reflecting the interconnected nature of human societies and their naming traditions.
Is Neil suitable for a professional career?
Neil is well-suited for professional contexts. It's easy to pronounce in professional settings and internationally friendly for global careers. Names that are easy to say, spell, and remember often have advantages in career settings, though ultimately competence matters far more than name choice.
Is Neil a long or short name?
Neil is a very short name with 4 letters (1 syllable). Short names are easy to spell, pronounce, and remember. They work well for children who are learning to write their names.
What are common misspellings of Neil?
Common spelling variations of Neil include: Neila, Neilah, Neilan. Always verify the correct spelling with the parent.
What's the difference between Neil and Neila?
Neil and Neila are related names that share similar origins or sounds. Neil is spelled Neil while Neila is spelled Neila. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, cultural background, or family tradition.