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Niall

Boy name · 1,805 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Niall: 1,805 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 65 births in 1990.

Niall is a name of Irish and Scottish Gaelic origin, derived from the Old Irish name *Níall*, which is thought to mean "champion" or "cloud," with the latter linking it to the Norse word for "cloud" (*ský*), though its exact meaning is debated. The most famous historical bearer is Niall of the Nine Hostages, a legendary 5th-century High King of Ireland whose dynasty, the Uí Néill, claimed him as an ancestor. In modern times, the name is strongly associated with Niall Horan, the Irish singer and former member of One Direction. The name also appears in place names like Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland, which shares its etymological root with Niall. A notably popular variant is Neil, which is more common in English-speaking countries, while Niall retains its distinctively Gaelic spelling and charm.