| Neel | Rudra | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Dark blue, sapphire | The roarer (Shiva) |
| Origin | sanskrit | sanskrit |
| Gender | Boy | Boy |
| Pronunciation | NEEL | RUD-ruh |
| Syllables | 1 | 2 |
| First appeared | 0 | 2000 |
| Peak year | 2009 (148) | 2025 (152) |
| In 2025 | 0 | 152 |
| Trend | Steady | Near its peak |
Source: US Social Security Administration.
| Decade | Neel | Rudra |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 542 | 725 |
| 2010s | 964 | 779 |
| 2000s | 947 | 259 |
| 1990s | 456 | 0 |
| 1980s | 289 | 0 |
| 1970s | 119 | 0 |
| 1960s | 22 | 0 |
| 1950s | 14 | 0 |
| 1940s | 5 | 0 |
| 1930s | 5 | 0 |
| 1920s | 16 | 0 |
| 1910s | 13 | 0 |
From the Sanskrit नील (nīla), 'dark blue, indigo, sapphire'. A genuine classical colour word, also the root of 'neelam' (sapphire). Note: the similar-looking English/Irish name Neil (from Gaelic Niall) is a separate, unrelated name.
From Sanskrit rudra (रुद्र), the fierce Vedic storm deity whose name is traditionally derived from a root meaning 'to roar/cry'; it is a well-known epithet of Shiva. A divine name with connotations of awe-inspiring power.
Rudra is more popular than Neel today: about 152 US babies were given the name Rudra in 2025, compared with 0 named Neel.
Neel means Dark blue, sapphire (sanskrit origin), while Rudra means The roarer (Shiva) (sanskrit origin).
In US records, Neel first appears in 0 and Rudra in 2000, so Neel has the longer recorded history.