At a Glance
- 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
NY-julIPA /ˈnaɪdʒəl/
Popularity of Nigel
Lists That Include Nigel
- 200+ Mystical, Whimsical Boy Names That Will Definitely Inspire You
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- 200+ Gothic Boy Names for the Dark, Dramatic Soul
Similar Names
Oswald · Merlin · Lionel · Quentin · Leander · Rafferty
