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

Popularity of Neely by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Neely is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 99% of people named Neely being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 31 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Neely.

The history of the first name Neely

The name Neely is believed to have its origins in the Old English language, tracing back to the Anglo-Saxon period in Britain (5th to 11th centuries). It is thought to be derived from the Old English word "neh," meaning "near" or "close by," possibly referring to someone who lived in close proximity to a specific location or landmark.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Neely can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of land and property commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. This suggests that the name was already in use among the Anglo-Saxon population at that time.

During the Middle Ages, the name Neely appeared in various historical records and documents. In 1327, a man named Neely de Kirketon was mentioned in the Court Rolls of Bedfordshire, England. Another notable individual was Sir Neely Bacon, a prominent English landowner and military commander who lived in the 14th century.

In the realm of literature, the name Neely found its way into the works of renowned authors. In the 16th century, the English playwright William Shakespeare included a character named Neely in his play "The Two Gentlemen of Verona," written around 1594-1595.

Throughout history, several notable figures bore the name Neely. One such individual was Neely O'Hara (1823-1905), an Irish-American writer and poet who gained recognition for his works celebrating Irish culture and history. Another prominent figure was Neely Plumb (1808-1892), an American lawyer and politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from Ohio.

In more recent times, the name Neely has been associated with individuals from various fields. Neely Bruce (1923-1992) was an American actor best known for his roles in television shows like "The Rockford Files" and "Dallas." Neely Jacobs (born 1937) is a former professional tennis player from the United States who achieved success in the 1960s.

While the name Neely may have evolved and been influenced by different cultures over time, its origins can be traced back to the Old English language and the Anglo-Saxon period, reflecting the rich linguistic heritage of Britain.

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 Neely was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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