Nil

“miracle” — Associated with the meaning 'nothing

Hebrew origin · Unisex name

♂ 54% boys♀ 46% girls

#7163US 2023

16Births / yr

↑Rising

185All-time births

📅 Since 201300

How to pronounce Nil

NIL

/ˈnɪl/ · stress on NIL · 1 syllable

“miracle”

Associated with the meaning 'nothing · Hebrew origin

What does Nil mean and where does it come from?

In Hebrew, Nil (ניל) means 'miracle,' and in Swedish, it is associated with the meaning 'nothing.' In cultures where Hebrew is spoken, the name is often connected with positive connotations of blessings and miracles. In Sweden, the use of Nil may reflect minimalism and simplicity. Though not particu

Cultural significance

Nil has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of miracle.

Peak popularity

Reached #6386 in 2017 — currently #7163 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Nil?

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

Nil Grace

How popular is Nil right now?

Rising fast — up 1743 spots — currently #7163 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2015–2023#7163 · Top 5.3%

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#7163	16	▲ up 1743 · +33% births
2022	#8906	12	▼ down 568 · -8% births
2021	#8338	13	▲ up 7374 · +160% births
2020	#15712	5	▼ down 5256 · -50% births
2015	#10456	10	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Nil

Best Year2023Rank #7163

Peak Count16

Average Rank#10115

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range2015 - 20235 years

The story of Nil

Nil is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2013. With 185 total births recorded, Nil remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #10456 in 2015 to #7163 in 2023. Nil is used for both genders: 46% female and 54% male.

Names that peaked alongside Nil in 2017:

Emma Olivia Ava Isabella Sophia

Nil by decade

Nil peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1980s	6
1990s	52
2000s	28
2010s ★	86
2020s	13

💎Nil has only 185 total recorded births since 2013 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Nil?

Common

NilieNily

Famous people named Nil

Nil (historical figure)

Nil bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.

Nil (historical community leader)

Nil led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.

Nil (historical figure)

Nil bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Nil?

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

Hebrew · Plowed Field

Nils

Sweden · Victory of the

Nik

Slavic countries · victory, conqueror

Jil

American · a youthful person

Common questions about the name Nil

What does the name Nil mean?

Nil means "miracle" — a name rooted in Hebrew 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 Nil?

Nil is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Nil have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Nil?

Nil originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew 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 Nil?

Nil is a one-syllable name pronounced N IH1 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Nil sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Nil flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Nil ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.