Neylan

Neylan — a name of uncertain origins — seemingly came out of nowhere in 2023. Given to 122 girls, it was used five times more often than it was in the previous year, when it was given to just 25 babies. Mormon women's activist and author Neylan McBaine may played a role in introducing parents to this name.

One possible origin of Neylan is from Gaelic, as an alternative, anglicized spelling of the surname, Ó Nialláin, meaning "descendent of Niall". Taking into account the meaning of Niall gets you the possible meanings "descendant of the clouds" or "descendent of the champion."

Alternatively, Neylan could come from the place name and last name, Neyland. A town in Wales, Neyland derives from Middle English and means "at the island". Both of these origins give it the stylish, last-name-as-a-first-name feel of Murphy, Emerson, and Holland.

The name could also have Turkish origins, with one notable bearer being musician, Neylan Yedikel. In this case, the name itself may be musical, tied to a Turkish instrument, called a ney flute, giving the name the meaning "ney player" or "flute player".

Neylan is also given to boys, where it ranks #4992 in the US.

Pronounced NAY-lan.

As of October 2026, Neylan ranked #3756 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #1683 in 2023.