Niall

Niall
Pronunciation	/niːl/ ; Irish: [n̠ʲiəl̪ˠ]
Gender	Male
Origin
Language(s)	Irish
Meaning	Unknown
Region of origin	Ireland
Other names
Related names	Neil ; Nigel ; Niallán (diminutive);

Last updated April 25, 2025

Niall is a male given name of Irish origin. The original meaning of the name is unknown,^[1] but popular modern sources have suggested that it means "champion" (derived from the Old Irish word niadh).^[2] According to John Ryan, Professor of Early and Medieval History at University College Dublin, Niall "seems to be so ancient that its meaning was lost before records began."^[1]

Notable people with the name Niall

Medieval times

Niall of the Nine Hostages, High King of Ireland who lived in the early-to-mid 5th century AD
Niall Caille, High King of Ireland in the 9th century AD

Modern times

Niall Carolan (born 2002), Irish Gaelic footballer
Niall Ferguson (born 1964), Historian and the Laurence A. Tisch professor of history at Harvard University
Niall Horan (born 1993), a member of the British-Irish boy band One Direction
Niall Mackenzie (born 1961), Scottish former professional motorcycle road racer
Niall Matter (born 1980), Canadian actor
Niall McCready, Irish Gaelic footballer
Niall McGinn (born 1987), Northern Irish footballer
Niall Moran (born 1983), Irish hurler
Niall O'Brien (born 1981), Irish cricketer
Niall O'Donnell (born 1998), Irish Gaelic footballer
Niall Quinn (born 1966), Irish former international footballer and chairman of the English club Sunderland A.F.C.

As a surname

Brenda Niall (born 1930), Australian writer, aunt of Jake and Richard
Jake Niall, Australian sports journalist, cousin of Richard
Richard Niall, Australian judge

Fictional characters

Niall, a Circle Mage from Dragon Age: Origins
Hunter Niall from Sweep
Niall Brigant from The Southern Vampire Mysteries
Niall MacDonnell from the Honorverse
Niall Rafferty from Hollyoaks
Niall from Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Pedron Niall from The Wheel of Time
Commander Niall from Elden Ring

References

1 2 MacLysaght, Edward (1964). A Guide to Irish Surnames. Helicon. p. 15.
↑ The Neill Surname

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[MacLysaght-1] 1 2 MacLysaght, Edward (1964). A Guide to Irish Surnames. Helicon. p. 15.

[2] The Neill Surname

[1]

[2]

v t e Irish-language given names
Native masculine names	Ailill Aodh Aodhán Aonghus Art Breandán Breasal Brian Cainneach Cairbre Caoimhín Cathal Cearbhall Cian Cianán Ciarán Cinnéididh Coileán Colm Conaire Conall Conán Conchobhar Cormac Criofan Dáire Deaglán Diarmaid Dónall Donn Donnchadh Dubhghall Eachann Éibhear Eochaidh Eoghan Fearghal Fearghus Féilim Fiach Fínín Fionn Fionnbharr Fionntán Flann Garaidh Iarlaith Lorcán Lughaidh Muircheartach Muiredach Muirgheas Murchadh Niall Odhrán Oisín Oscar Rian Rónán Ruairí Tadhg Toirdhealbhach
Native feminine names	Aifric Áine Aisling Aodhnait Aoibheann Aoife Barrdhubh Bébhinn Bríd Cacht Caoimhe Ciara Clíona Cobhlaith Dearbháil Dearbhfhorghaill Deirbhile Deirdre Dubhchobhlaigh Éadaoin Eithne Feidhealm Fíneamhain Fíona Fionnuala Forbflaith Gormfhlaith Gráinne Íde Lasairfhíona Méabh Mór Muireann Muirgheal Niamh Nuala Órlaith Róisín Sadhbh Saoirse Síothmhaith Sláine Sorcha Úna
Germanic-derived masculine names	Amhlaoibh Annraoi Éamonn Gearóid Gofraid Íomhar Lochlann Liam Maghnus Raghnall Risteárd Roibeárd Séarlas Somhairle Tiobóid Ualtar
Bible-derived masculine names	Abracham Ádhamh Árón Biniáimin Daibhí Dainéal Eafráim Gaibrial Íosac Iósua Irimia Maitiú Maois Mícheál (Maidhc) Parthalán Samúéil Séamus Seán Seosamh Síomón Solamh Tomás
Bible-derived feminine names	Aibigeál Ánna Éabha Eilís Léá Madailéin Máire Mallaidh Náoimí Ráichéal Ríobhca Rút Seacailín Seosaimhín Sinéad Siobhán
Latin/Greek-derived masculine names	Aindréas Antóin Críostóir Damhnaic Pádraig Proinsias Giolla Críost Gréagóir Labhrás León Máirtín Marcas Nioclás Nollaig Peadar Pilib Pól Seoirse Stiofán Téadóir Uinseann
Latin/Greek-derived feminine names	Agata Aignéas Bairbre Caitlín Caitríona Claire Léan Luíseach Máiréad Muinice Onóra Pádraigín Séarlait Síle Treasa Tríona
See also	Goidelic languages Irish language Scottish Gaelic language Manx language Irish name List of Scottish Gaelic given names Scottish Gaelic name Irish genealogy

Origin
Pronunciation	/niːl/ Irish: [n̠ʲiəl̪ˠ]
Gender	Male
Language(s)	Irish
Meaning	Unknown
Region of origin	Ireland
Other names
Related names	Neil Nigel Niallán (diminutive)