Neal
Neal is an Irish name derived from the Gaelic 'Niall,' meaning 'champion' or 'cloud.' It has ancient Celtic roots and was borne by legendary Irish kings, conveying strength and nobility.
Current Popularity
#1914 for boys
in the United States (2025)
Popularity over time
Good to Know
- •Simple four-letter spelling makes it easy to write and spell
- •Alternative spelling 'Neil' is more common but both are accepted
- •Has a quiet strength without being overly trendy
- •Pronunciation is straightforward across English-speaking countries
Similar Names
Famous People
Neal Stephenson
Science fiction author
Neal McDonough
Actor
Neal Schon
Guitarist for Journey
Neal Cassady
Beat Generation icon and writer
Statistics
55,048
Total births since 1880
1959
Peak year
Discovery
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