At a Glance: Name: Nigel – Meaning: somewhat black, dark – Origin: Medieval Latin (used to Latinize Niall/Neil) – Gender: Boy – Pronunciation: NY-jul
Nigel is a Medieval Latin (used to Latinize Niall/Neil) boy's name meaning “somewhat black, dark”. It appears in 3 of our baby name lists.
Meaning & Origin of Nigel
Meaning: Somewhat black, dark.
Origin: Medieval Latin (used to Latinize Niall/Neil).
A common claim: Nigel means "black," or (as a form of Niall) "champion" Actually: Nigel is often equated with Niall/Neil and given Niall's popular gloss "champion," but that's a mismatch -- Nigel's own root is the Latin nigellus ("somewhat black"), chosen to render Niall for its sound, not its meaning.
Source: Wiktionary.
How to Pronounce Nigel
Phonetic: NY-jul IPA: /ˈnaɪdʒəl/
Popularity of Nigel
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration birth-name data, 1915–2024.
Lists That Include Nigel
- 200+ Mystical, Whimsical Boy Names That Will Definitely Inspire You
- 150+ Preppy Boy Names With That Old-Money Ivy League Feel
- 200+ Gothic Boy Names for the Dark, Dramatic Soul
Similar Names
Oswald · Merlin · Lionel · Quentin · Leander · Rafferty
