Neil

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A masculine given name of Gaelic origin often used to identify a male individual
2. A personal identifier commonly assigned to boys, derived from ancient Celtic languages
3. An English-language first name typically associated with male persons and rooted in Irish or Scottish heritage

Etymology: Neil is an anglicized form of the Irish name Niall, which belongs to the Goidelic branch of the Celtic languages. The two spellings are doublets: the same name that reached English in a different shape, with the Irish form keeping its original spelling while the English one was adjusted to English spelling and pronunciation. The name Niall is traditionally linked to Niall of the Nine Hostages, a legendary early High King of Ireland whose descendants, the Uí Néill, dominated much of northern Ireland for centuries. That family connection helps explain why the name stayed popular in Ireland long after the legendary king himself had faded into story.

Synonyms: Neil