Neil?

[Lamont77]

What do you think of the name Neil?

Just that, really!

I wouldn't say it's a classic like Alexander or James, although Gavin and Stacey was classic comedy.

I don't think it's quite ready for a comeback.

I don’t understand why what anyone else thinks of the name is important. Surely the only people that have to like the name is you and the babies father?

To me it's in with Gary, Nigel, Kevin, Daryl... scallywags you brought home from the club. I don't think they'll make a comeback until those original ones are granddads or even maybe great granddads.

Also Neil, the baby

@shalliswim yes, we are in Scotland 😊

I know 2 Neils in their 20s that live nearby - maybe it's slightly more popular here (but just slightly, as I don't know any Neil The Babies to be honest 🤣)

I like it! I do think it’s quite dated, but the sound of it I think is very nice. It has a pleasingly gentle sound. Difficult to imagine a horrid Neil.

[quote Lamont77]@shalliswim yes, we are in Scotland 😊

I know 2 Neils in their 20s that live nearby - maybe it's slightly more popular here (but just slightly, as I don't know any Neil The Babies to be honest 🤣)[/quote]
Then I think go for it if you like it. I suspect most of the nays here are from England

I actually love it!

I had a boyfriend at university called Neil - very handsome but a bit of a prat. My internet stalking activities tell me he’s now some senior project manager living in Austria and speaking several languages. Who knew!

Anyway, I digress. It’s a lovely name but a bit dated - although one I think deserves to see the light of day again. Not sure if Neil, the baby, would result in lots of jokes though?

@saggybaps

I really like the name Neil. Good solid name.

Neil Armstrong
Neil Patrick Harris
Neil Jones

Neil, The Baby.

I quite like it OP. It's a nice enough name, there won't be a tonne of them at nursery. If you like it then use it!

I know a primary aged Neil. He's a sweet quiet type.

Better a name like this than a trendy one.

What's the 'Neil, the baby' reference? Is it from a tv series or something?

Anyway, I like Neil, it's a great name. Not too popular, so there won't be four or five of them in his class, easy to spell and pronounce, can't be shortened into something silly.

Oh, I've Googled and it's from Gavin and Stacey. I didn't watch it that far.

I don't think it's dated.. I'm in my 30s and there were a fair few Neils when I was at uni, so definitely not just a 50+ name in England! I think it's nice - simple, classic - but might be biased because one of the aforementioned Neils was one of the most beautiful men I ever met...

I don't think Gavin and Stacey...I think The Inbetweeners

I don’t think you should worry about what a name sounds like on a baby OP. A baby is a baby for a year, they’ll be an adult for the rest of their lives 😊

Personally I hate it as I can't hear it without associating it with my awful ex, who was a truly terrible, violent and abusive person.

If I could separate the two I think it could be a nice name, and certainly wouldn't be frequently heard for little ones. I have never watched Gavin and Stacey so I don't have that issue!

I also think that Ian, Ivan and Darren are nice names though so maybe best not to listen to me!

Just consider when you actually have to shout Neil when out and about

Another one here for Neil, the baby.

I feel that Neil just isn't ready for a comeback now or maybe ever. I'd bunch it together with Roy and Keith and in my mind every Neil (except Neil, the baby) will look exactly like Roy off Coronation Street.

@Seanchailleach

Neil Young A very sweet man that I know. It's a classic name like Alexander or James - how could it go out of date?

It's not though, is it? Alexander and James have been used continually in successive generations. Neil/Neal hasn't. With reason.

You will have to brace yourself for the G&S comments.

Objectively there’s nothing wrong with it, it’s a bit dated with most Neils probably being 30+ now, but i know a young Lauren (another name that is mostly from 1970s-1990s) and it’s quite refreshing among all the currently trendy names like Ellie/Lily/Milly etc

However you will get “oh Neil the baby” references a lot. By the time he’s grown up maybe not but given G&S had a Christmas special just a couple of years ago it’s still quite fresh in many people’s minds

"It's a bit dated with most Neil's being 30+ now"

I have a (lovely) friend Neil who is late 30s that I met at uni. We spent the first year taking the mick out of his middle aged man name in every conversation.

I suspect if you are in Scotland it will be easier for a child to "own" and was given to a broader age group so less obviously dated.

And I think it is a perfectly nice name in and of itself!

Nope

Thanks everyone! Might be demoted to a middle name or he might just look like a 'wee Neil' 😊 we'll see!