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Neela

Girl name · 6 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Neela: 6 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 3 births in 2007.

Neela is a name with rich roots in both Sanskrit and African cultures. From Sanskrit, it means "sapphire" or "dark blue," evoking the deep, serene hue of the precious stone, while in some African languages, it can mean "born during prosperous times." Perhaps the most famous bearer is Neela Vishwakarma, a prominent Indian engineer and microbiologist, though the name also appears in popular culture through the character Neela Rasgotra from the TV series *ER*. The name shares its etymological root with the island of Neel in the Andaman Islands, though this is a place name rather than a direct tribute. A lyrical variant, Neelam, is also common in South Asian communities, both names offering a melodic, globally-minded choice that feels both timeless and fresh.