I love this name. And not just because I am a fan of One Direction.
― Anonymous User 2/29/2020
8
I think it sounds weird when someone mixes a traditional Irish or Scottish name with a modern surname. (Example : Braidain O'Connor.) Niall seems to annoy me the most in this situation. Great name, it has a cool meaning and sounds pretty.
Niall James Horan is an Irish singer-songwriter and guitarist, best known as a member of the boy band One Direction. In 2010, Horan auditioned as a solo artist for the seventh series of the British televised singing competition The X Factor. He failed to progress to the "Boys" category at the "judges' houses", but after guest judge Nicole Scherzinger suggested that Niall join One Direction, with Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson, the group became a reality. The five-piece band made it to the final and finished in third place. Even though they did not win, One Direction was signed by Simon Cowell to a reported £2 million Syco record contract.
This is a cool and cute name! =D Of course, I think of Niall Horan, but I don't think he's a horrible association to have. =) Girl sibling name suggestions: Nayab/Nayaab (pronounced NA-YAB), Naiara/Nayara, Naila (pronounced NY-la), Naira, Nyala, Naima, Nigella and Naomi. Boy sibling name suggestions: Nayden, Nigel and Naylor.
― Anonymous User 10/8/2014
-7
My littlest is Niall. I say little, but he's 11. I have always loved the lyrical sound of gaelic names and we wanted a name that every third kid didn't have. I can't stand when there are 50 people named Ashley! I think the name Niall is lovely.
Think what you will about One Direction, but I think their parents have good taste in names. There's Niall Horan, who pronounces it like Nile, and the British actor/comedian Niall Ashdown, pronounced like Neil.
I really like this name, it's a nice variant on a more common name, however I'd be afraid to use it right now. There would be the inevitable association with One Direction, and I feel like you'd have to constantly explain, "No, I'm not a One Direction fan, I just like the name." Plus, I prefer the pronunciation NEE-al, which would just complicate matters further. Lovely name, unfortunate mainstream media connotation.
― Anonymous User 6/26/2013
2
Reminds me of the Nile river and of course, the god awful band one direction.
― Anonymous User 2/14/2013
-8
Niall Horan is an Irish member of the Uk-Irish boygroup, "One Direction".
Though the NIE-al pronunciation is common in Ireland, the only legit Irish (language) pronunciation is NEE-al. NIE-al is actually an English pronunciation.
― Anonymous User 8/18/2009
1
It's pronounced Ni as in it would rhyme with eye, and finished all as in it would rhyme with ball: Ni - all . It's a very popular name in the North and South of Ireland, I once watched a documentary that claimed it is one of only 4 male names that are originally Irish as most other popular Irish Male names descend from somewhere else. Famous Nialls are Niall Quinn, famous football player and manager of Sunderland FC, and Niall McDevitt, the Southern Irish Poet. Both you can Google.
Don't like it. This is a name used by Irish-American parents who won't accept any non-Irish names for their kids. Please, we're not in medieval Ireland anymore!
There is a character in Melissa Marrs books, Wicked Lovely and Ink Exchange named Niall. He was a solitary fey who worked with the Summer King until he fell in love with a human and left him. He then became the Dark King, taking Irial's place.
Has no connection to Nigel nor is it an Irish 'version'. It is an old Irish name which stands on its own. Meaning is disputed, but some think it relates to an old-Irish and middle-Irish word 'to champion' or 'successful'. There are also those who suggest it may have its roots in a word which relates to 'vapour' or 'steam' - niallach.
I think this is one of the most beautiful names around so much so that I named my second son Niall. I have noticed it has became very popular recently. It is a common misconception that Niall is a form of Niel when in fact it is the other way round.