Origin and Meaning of Neely
Meaning & Origin
Champion; Passionate
Origin: Irish - Neely is a diminutive of the Irish name Niall, which means 'champion' or 'cloud' and has associations with leadership.
Interesting Facts
- Neely is often used as both a first name and a surname, with Irish roots that are mostly found in regions like Northern Ireland.
- The name Neely is commonly used in various forms across different cultures, sometimes appearing as Nealie or Nylie.
- Notable bearers of the name include Neely O'Hara, a character in the musical 'Gypsy,' and various members of sports teams and academic figures with the surname Neely.
- Neely has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, often peaking in the late 19th century and experiencing a revival in recent years as unique names gain traction.
- Variations and related names include the Irish Niall, Neil, and the feminine version Neala.