Neely
The Meaning & Origin of the Name Neely
Neely is a Celtic unisex name, which has 5 letters.
Neely is an Irish name meaning "Champion" or "Victor."
Rating
Be the first one to vote!
Log in to save this name to your favorites.
Detailed Information About The Name Neely
The name 'Neely' is of Irish origin and is primarily used as a surname. It comes from the Gaelic name 'Ó Néilligh', which means 'descendant of Niall', with Niall being a Gaelic personal name. 'Neely' is an anglicized version of the Irish surname, representing a common practice during the English colonization of Ireland to translate or modify traditional Gaelic names into English.
The surname Neely has various spellings, including Nealie, Neiley, Neilley, Neilly, and Nelly. This variability is often attributed to the lack of standardized spelling conventions in earlier times.
As a given name, 'Neely' is rather uncommon, but it can be used for both girls and boys. It has a similar sound and rhythm as other names, such as Keely and Beasley. Some parents choose this name for its uniqueness and simplicity.
In addition to its Irish roots, 'Neely' is also recognized as a Scottish surname. In Scotland, the name is believed to have originated from the Gaelic Mac an Fhilidh, meaning 'son of the poet'. However, the surname is more frequently found in Ireland than in Scotland.
Notable individuals with the surname Neely include American ice hockey player Cam Neely, who had a successful career in the NHL and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Other famous Neelys include former American football player Rob Neely and American country musician and actor Tanya Tucker, who was born Tanya Denise Tucker Neely.
In conclusion, the name 'Neely' has Irish and Scottish origins and can be used as both a given name and a surname. While uncommon as a given name, it carries an air of uniqueness and simplicity. The surname has variations in spelling and is more prevalent in Ireland. Several notable individuals throughout history bear the name 'Neely' and have excelled in various fields.
Similar Celtic Baby Names
Search Baby Names & Meanings
Search our growing database of baby names to find just the right name for your baby or to find out what your own name means!
Celebrity Baby Names
Celebrity baby names are usually not conventional, but some of them become popular. Here is our growing list of celebrity baby names.
Celebrity Baby NamesNaming Your Baby
Picking a name is one of the most important things you will do for your child, so why not take some time to look through our collection of baby naming resources.
Naming Your BabyUnusual Baby Names
Unique or unusual baby names are tempting when it is time to name your child; however, you should also be aware of the pitfalls that a unique name might have.
Unusual Baby NamesBiblical Baby Names
Biblical names are some of the most widely used names, and for good reason. The tradition and history behind these names makes them a great choice!
Biblical Baby NamesTypes of Baby Names
The baby name collection on this site is constantly evolving, and a good way to browse through our database is selecting the type of name you are interested in.
Types of Baby Names