Neela

“Blue” — Symbolizes the divine

India origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#3564US 2023

44Births / yr

↑Rising

1.1kAll-time births

📅 Since 197200.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Neela

NAY·EL·uh

/ˈneɪ.ˈɛl.ə/ · stress on NAY · 3 syllables

“Blue”

Symbolizes the divine · India origin

What does Neela mean and where does it come from?

Neela (नीला) is a feminine name of Hindi and Sanskrit origin, often associated with the color blue. In Hindu culture, blue symbolizes the divine, particularly in reference to deities such as Krishna. This name can also signify a person with a calm and serene personality. The name has been used in va

Cultural significance

Neela has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in India-speaking communities, where it reflects values of blue.

Peak popularity

Reached #1994 in 2007 — currently #3564 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Neela?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Neela?

Neela works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Neela Grace

How popular is Neela right now?

Rising — up 14 spots — currently #3564 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1980–2023#3564 · Top 2.6%

1980

1990

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#3564	44	▲ up 14
2022	#3578	44	▲ up 488 · +22% births
2021	#4066	36	▼ down 529 · -14% births
2020	#3537	42	▼ down 597 · -29% births
2015	#2940	59	▼ down 263 · -12% births
2010	#2677	67	▲ up 661 · +46% births
2005	#3338	46	▲ up 10414 · +820% births
1990	#13752	5	▼ down 5843 · -37% births
1980	#7909	8	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Neela

Best Year2010Rank #2677

Peak Count67

Average Rank#5040

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1980 - 20239 years

The story of Neela

Neela is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1972. With 1,145 total births recorded, Neela remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7909 in 1980 to #3564 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Neela in 2007:

Emily Isabella Emma Ava Madison

Neela by decade

Neela peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	41
1980s	48
1990s	27
2000s	465
2010s ★	522
2020s	42

💎With 1,145 total births, Neela is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Neela?

Common

NeeNeelNeelieNeely

What names sound and feel like Neela?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Neela also consider these

Neeta

India · moral, virtuous

India · A name meaning

Leela

India · Play; amusement; divine

Heela

India · הֵיְלָה - 'Happiness'

Nela

Croatia · the bright one

Seela

American · To be exalted

How is Neela written in other languages?

நீலா

Tamil), नीला (Hindi

Common questions about the name Neela

What does the name Neela mean?

Neela means "Blue" — a name rooted in India tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Neela?

Neela is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Neela?

Neela originates from India tradition. India names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Neela?

Neela is a three-syllable name pronounced N EY1 EH1 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Neela?

Neela pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar India heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.