The nameNigel
Nigel is a very British name with Irish roots and a gently old school air.
- Boy's name
- Irish
Meaning
Nigel comes from Nigellus, the medieval Latin spelling of Neil, which scribes linked to niger, "black".
Origin
Irish, through medieval Latin.
History
Norman clerks wrote the Irish Niall as Nigellus, and Nigel grew from that spelling. In the United States it reached 478th place in 1994. In England and Wales it was 552nd in 1996, the first year of the series.
Famous people named Nigel
- Nigel Mansell, racing driver
- Nigel Kennedy, violinist
- Nigel Slater, food writer
Popularity of the name Nigel
Nigel in the United States
Nigel was most popular in the United States in the 1990s, with 3,808 births over the decade, 31% of all recorded babies named Nigel. Its rise began around 1969, and it peaked in 1994. Half of all babies named Nigel in the United States were born before 1996. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 77 births a year on average, against 140 in the five years before.
Nigel in Ireland
Nigel was most popular in Ireland in the 1970s, with 913 births over the decade, 47% of all recorded babies named Nigel. Half of all babies named Nigel in Ireland were born before 1977, so it is mostly a parents' generation name.
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Nigel
Names from the same generation as Nigel, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Nigel? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Nigel with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Nigel side by side with the name of your choice.
Nigel in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Nigel mean?
Nigel comes from Nigellus, the medieval Latin spelling of Neil, which scribes linked to niger, "black".
What is the origin of the name Nigel?
Irish, through medieval Latin.
Is Nigel a girl's or a boy's name?
Nigel is a boy's name.
How popular is the name Nigel?
In 2024, Nigel was the 2189th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 66 births.
What are the variants of the name Nigel?
Variants and related names of Nigel include Neil and Niall.
What are good sibling names for Nigel?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Melinda, Kathy, Katy and Antoinette for a sister, Brice, Jamil, Antwan and Antoine for a brother.
Who are famous people named Nigel?
Nigel Mansell, racing driver; Nigel Kennedy, violinist; Nigel Slater, food writer.