The same name is Nils and Niels in Norwegian and Danish, which I guess means it is Norse as well. Judy On 19 Mar 2006, at 12:19, Ray Hennessy wrote: > Neil is considered to be an English spelling of the Gaelic Niall. > In Gaelic this is taken to have the meaning "champion". > The only other name I have come across which has any connection > with Neil is Nigel. This is because, in old documents in Latin, > they used Nigellus for Neil.

Judy Olsen wrote, a propos Neil: The same name is Nils and Niels in Norwegian and Danish, which I guess means it is Norse as well. ___________________________________________ Hi Judy ------------------------------------------------------------------- Nils and Niels seem to be equivalent to Nicholas ------------------------------------------------------------------- According to the Dictionary of First Names [OUP], Nils [Swedish] and Niels [Danish] are both equivalent to Nicholas, although they also suggest that Niels is also a Dutch pet-name for Cornelius. I can only assume they are right, as in most other cases their view has been supported by other authorities. Such other sources as I have, suggest that they are right in this case too. I haven't attempted to include all the many European variants yet. That will come after I've tried Gaelic and the non-Scottish names from the rest of the UK. Ever optimistic. Best wishes Ray Hennessy www.whatsinaname.net

PS That's not to say that men called 'Nils' or 'Niels' didn't Anglicize their names to 'Neil' if they came to the UK and settled here. One of the difficulties of Names is that folk will take their own liberties with them and the original meanings have no influence in those cases. Good on 'em, say I Ray [Old German, meaning "wise protector" Hah!]