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

Popularity of Neila by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Neila is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 28 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Neila.

The history of the first name Neila

The name Neila has its origins in Arabic and Hebrew cultures, with roots dating back to ancient times. In Arabic, the name is derived from the word "Nil," meaning "river," specifically referring to the Nile River, a vital lifeline in ancient Egyptian civilization. This connection suggests that the name may have been given to individuals born near or associated with the Nile River region.

In Hebrew, the name Neila is believed to be a variation of the biblical name "Neilah," which means "closing" or "locking." This name is associated with the closing prayer service on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, one of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar. The name's religious significance may have been a factor in its adoption and use.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Neila can be found in ancient Egyptian records, where it was used as a personal name for both men and women. The name appears in hieroglyphic inscriptions and papyrus texts from as early as the 18th Dynasty (c. 1550-1292 BCE).

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Neila. One of the earliest recorded examples is Neila, an Egyptian priestess who lived during the reign of Ramesses II (c. 1279-1213 BCE). Another historical figure was Neila bint Al-Bahdal, a 7th-century Arabian poetess known for her eloquent verses and contributions to early Arabic literature.

In the medieval period, Neila de Vizcaya (c. 1130-1190) was a Spanish noblewoman and influential figure in the Kingdom of Navarre. She played a role in the political and cultural affairs of her time.

During the Renaissance, Neila Rossi (c. 1520-1580) was an Italian painter and artist from Verona, renowned for her religious and mythological works. She was one of the few female artists of that era to achieve recognition.

In more recent history, Neila Serrano (1871-1934) was a Chilean educator and women's rights activist who fought for educational reforms and the advancement of women's rights in her country.

These examples illustrate the diverse cultural backgrounds and historical contexts in which the name Neila has been used, reflecting its ancient roots and enduring presence across different eras and regions.

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

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

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