Neil
2 synonyms and 0 antonyms for Neil, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Name — A masculine given name of Irish origin, meaning "champion" or "cloud."
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
Anglicized form of Goidelic/Irish Niall. Doublet of Niall.
Full origin of Neil →Frequently asked questions
What does “Neil” mean?
The word “Neil” means a masculine given name of Irish origin, meaning "champion" or "cloud.".
How do you pronounce “Neil”?
“Neil” is pronounced neel (/niːl/ in IPA).
How do you use “Neil” in a sentence?
Here is “Neil” used in a sentence: “Neil Armstrong was the first person to walk on the moon.”
What part of speech is “Neil”?
“Neil” is a name.
Is “Neil” a common word?
“Neil” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between the names 'Neil' and 'Neal'?
Both are masculine given names of Irish origin meaning 'champion' or 'cloud,' but 'Neil' is the more common spelling today. 'Neal' is a recognized variant, and the two are pronounced the same.
Is 'Neil' an Irish name?
Yes, Neil is a masculine given name of Irish origin. It is traditionally understood to mean 'champion' or 'cloud.'
Is 'Neil' used as a first name or a surname?
Neil is chiefly a masculine first name of Irish origin. Related forms also appear in surnames such as O'Neill, which share the same Irish root.