Boy · 433rd of 16,616
Neal
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
55,217
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1959
Peak Popularity Year
1,223
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Neal stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Neal is an Irish name derived from 'Niall', meaning 'cloud' or 'passionate'. It has evolved through various forms and gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly among Irish communities. The name is seen as classic and reliable, with notable figures like Neal Armstrong contributing to its recognition.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/nɪl/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
The name Neal is derived from the Irish name 'Niall', which is believed to mean 'cloud' or 'passionate'. It is often associated with a famous 5th-century Irish king.
Meaning
cloud, passionate
Language Evolution
Niall, Neal, Neil
Historical Usage
The name Neal gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 19th century, particularly in Ireland and among Irish immigrants in the United States.
Variants & Derivatives
Neil, Niel, Niall
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Neal is perceived as a classic and somewhat traditional name, often associated with reliability and strength.
Famous People
Neal Armstrong, Neal Cassady, Neal Patrick Harris
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,223 peak births in 1959
Geographic Spread
Popular across 50 US states, with strongest presence in Hawaii
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 5 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 12 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 307th of 7545 | 5,480 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 267th of 6773 | 8,101 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 229th of 7552 | 19,159 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 303rd of 10718 | 10,396 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 433rd of 16616 | 7,335 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1125th of 24088 | 2,327 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1513th of 23106 | 1,370 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 3504th of 9107 | 121 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 4870th of 9204 | 59 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 7802nd of 12526 | 36 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 11640th of 19264 | 31 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 23525th of 27321 | 10 |