Find out how popular the first name Neco has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Neco by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Neco is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 94% of people named Neco being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Neco.

The history of the first name Neco

The name Neco has its origins in the ancient Egyptian culture, dating back to the 7th century BC. It is derived from the Egyptian word "nkw," which means "to be strong" or "to be victorious." This name was often given to male children with the hope that they would grow up to be strong and victorious leaders.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Neco can be found in the biblical book of 2 Kings, where it refers to Pharaoh Neco II, who reigned over Egypt from 610 to 595 BC. Neco II is known for his military campaigns in the Levant and his defeat of King Josiah of Judah at the Battle of Megiddo in 609 BC.

Another notable figure in history with the name Neco was Neco of Miletus, a Greek navigator and explorer from the 6th century BC. He is credited with being one of the first individuals to circumnavigate Africa, sailing around the continent and passing through the Strait of Gibraltar.

In the 4th century BC, there was Neco of Plataea, a Greek military leader who played a crucial role in the Battle of Plataea during the Greco-Persian Wars. He is remembered for his bravery and strategic leadership on the battlefield.

Moving forward in time, Neco was also the name of a 12th-century Byzantine nobleman and military commander who served under the Emperor Manuel I Komnenos. He participated in various campaigns against the Seljuk Turks and played a significant role in the defense of the Byzantine Empire.

Another individual with the name Neco worth mentioning is Neco Brett, a 19th-century English cricketer who played for Cambridge University and the Marylebone Cricket Club. He was born in 1834 and is remembered for his contributions to the sport during the early years of its development.

While the name Neco has its roots in ancient Egyptian culture, it has been adopted and used across various civilizations and time periods, often associated with strength, victory, and military prowess. These historical figures serve as examples of the name's enduring legacy and the diverse backgrounds of those who have borne it throughout history.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Neco was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Neco, please contact us.

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