Surname Nigel - Meaning and Origin

Nigel: What does the surname Nigel mean?

The surname Nigel is not typically used as a last name; it is more commonly found as a first name. The name Nigel is of Irish and English origin and it derived from the Latin name 'Nigellus', which means 'black' or 'dark'. It became popular in medieval England due to a misunderstanding from an Old French name 'Neel' which means 'champion'. Nigel, as a first name, could have symbolisms of being mysterious or powerful due to its dark connotation. However, someone bearing the name Nigel does not necessarily possess the traits or characteristics that its etymology might suggest. The meaning of vernacular names is merely a fragment of their history, and over time, their meanings often acquire familial, sentimental, and personal value that overrides their linguistic origins.

Nigel: Where does the name Nigel come from?

Nigel is an English name most commonly found in England, Wales, Australia, and New Zealand. It is one of the most frequently used English-origin names. In England, it is more popular in the southern and eastern parts of the country and is also common in the countries of the British Isles.

While the name was popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it is still quite common today. Nigel is the sixth most popular in England, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). In Scotland, it was one of the top 10 most popular boys' names in 2019.

In Australia, Nigel is the 49th most popular male name in the country, according to Nameberry. It is also quite common in Canada, and especially of use in the Newfoundland area. In the United States, it is not considered common but is seen as an alternative or variant spelling of Neil.

In New Zealand, it is used more than anywhere else, with just over 800 given the name in 2018. In general, it is the fourth most popular name for boys born in the country between 2003 and 2017.

In France, the name is found most often among those of British ancestry. It is also gaining in popularity in South America, from Brazil to Chile. Nigel may be a more traditional name in some parts of the world, but it is making a comeback and is widely used in Britain and in many other countries.

Variations of the surname Nigel

The surname Nigel is derived from the Latin name "Nigellus", which itself is derived from "niger" meaning "black". Nigel is a popular given name in the English-speaking world, and it has been used throughout history as both a first and a last name. Variants of the name Nigel include Neel, Neil, Niall, Nyele, Nygel, Nigell, and Nigelle. A common spelling of the name is Neal.

Surnames that are of the same origin as Nigel include Nigrelli, Nigrello, Nigris, Nigro, Nigrisoli, Nigrisolo, Noguera, Nogueras, Noguerillas, Nogues, and Noonan. The Irish-Gaelic form of the name is Neall, which is also found throughout Europe.

In France, Nigel can be spelled Nygelle, Nygel, and Nigelle. In Spain, it can be spelled Niguel or Nero. In Germany and Austria, it can be spelled Neigel or Neigel.

In the United States, the surname is found in three different forms: Niger, Nigrelli, and Nigrello. In Scotland, it can be found as Nygel or Neill. In Ireland, it can be found as Neall and Nyele.

Nigel is also an Anglicized version of the Scottish surname MacNeil, which is derived from the Gaelic name Niall. Variations of MacNeil include MacNeal, McNeal, MacNiel, and McNiel.

There are many different variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the name Nigel, as it has been passed down generation to generation and across different cultures. It is an enduringly popular name, and has a long history of spelling and variations.

Famous people with the name Nigel

• Nigel Farage: British political figure and leader of the Brexit Party.
• Nigel Kneale: British screenwriter and novelist.
• Nigel Short: English chess Grandmaster and chess commentator.
• Nigel Harman: British stage, television and film actor.
• Nigel Bradham: Professional American footballer.
• Nigel Benn: British former professional boxer.
• Nigel Bruce: British stage and film actor.
• Nigel Eltringham: British Anglican priest.
• Nigel Hawthorne: British stage and film actor.
• Nigel Lythgoe: British television and film director, television producer, and former dancer.
• Nigel Llong: English cricket umpire.
• Nigel Mansell: British former motor racing driver.
• Nigel Ogden: British organist and composer.
• Nigel Planer: English actor, comedian, novelist, and playwright.
• Nigel Reo-Coker: former English professional footballer.
• Nigel Slater: English food writer, journalist and broadcaster.
• Nigel Spiers: British television producer and executive.
• Nigel Planer-Walters: British former professional football player.
• Nigel Havers: British actor.
• Nigel Owens: Welsh international rugby union referee.

Other surnames

Nigemeier