Niall
Niall: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈnaɪəl/ · /niːl/
Meaning and origin of Niall
Root meaning: “cloud”
- A male given name from Irish or Scottish Gaelic used in Ireland and Scotland since the Middle Ages.
Etymology
Borrowed from Irish Niall or Scottish Gaelic Niall, ultimately from Old Irish Níall, of uncertain original meaning. Suggestions include nél (“cloud”) and nïa (“champion”), which is from Proto-Indo-European *h₃neyd- (“to revile”). Doublet of Neil.
How popular is Niall?
Since 1880, 2,094 boys in the U.S. have been named Niall. Its highest rank for boys was #1578 in 2024. In 2025, 96 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Niall FAQ
What does the name Niall mean?
Niall traces back to a root meaning "cloud". A male given name from Irish or Scottish Gaelic used in Ireland and Scotland since the Middle Ages. Borrowed from Irish Niall or Scottish Gaelic Niall, ultimately from Old Irish Níall, of uncertain original meaning. Suggestions include nél (“cloud”) and nïa (“champion”), which is from Proto-Indo-European *h₃neyd- (“to revile”). Doublet of Neil.
What is the origin of the name Niall?
Niall is listed as a name of Irish or Scottish Gaelic used in Ireland origin.
How popular is the name Niall?
Since 1880, 2,094 boys in the U.S. have been named Niall. Its highest rank for boys was #1578 in 2024. In 2025, 96 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Niall a boy or girl name?
Niall is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 0 girls and 2,094 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.