From Nigellus, a medieval Latinized form of Neil. It was commonly associated with Latin niger "black". It was revived in the 19th century, perhaps in part due to Sir Walter Scott's novel 'The Fortunes of Nigel' (1822). Nigel is a Latinized form of Neil. Neil originates in Gaelic languages and means "coming from clouds". Some sources also suggest the meaning "champion". As a masculine given name it has always been popular in the United Kingdom, in the United States its popularity declined lately. The famous bearer is Neil Armstrong, an American astronaut and the first man on the Moon.
Nigel Related Names Variants: Neil, Nigellus, Neal Feminine Form: Nigella
