Nigel
Nigel: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈnaɪd͡ʒəl/
Meaning and origin of Nigel
Root meaning: “slightly black”
- A male given name from Latin, of mostly British usage.
Etymology
English form of Latin Nigellus, from nigellus (“slightly black”), diminutive of niger (“black”), used in the Middle Ages to Latinize Norman Néel and Old Irish Níall, from which the former is derived via Old Norse Njáll. Compare Neil.
How popular is Nigel?
Since 1880, 85 girls and 12,286 boys in the U.S. have been named Nigel (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #4671 in 1918. Its highest rank for boys was #478 in 1994. In 2025, 71 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
More Latin boy names
Sibling name ideas for Nigel
Sister and brother names that share Nigel's Latin roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Nigel FAQ
What does the name Nigel mean?
Nigel traces back to a root meaning "slightly black". A male given name from Latin, of mostly British usage. English form of Latin Nigellus, from nigellus (“slightly black”), diminutive of niger (“black”), used in the Middle Ages to Latinize Norman Néel and Old Irish Níall, from which the former is derived via Old Norse Njáll. Compare Neil.
What is the origin of the name Nigel?
Nigel is listed as a name of Latin origin.
How popular is the name Nigel?
Since 1880, 85 girls and 12,286 boys in the U.S. have been named Nigel (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #4671 in 1918. Its highest rank for boys was #478 in 1994. In 2025, 71 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Nigel a boy or girl name?
Nigel is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 85 girls and 12,286 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.