Anil - Name Meaning and Popularity -

Meaning of Anil

The name Anil traces its origin to Sanskrit, where it signifies “air” or “wind” and invokes Vāyu, the Hindu deity of the breeze. Pronounced uh-NEEL (/əˈniːl/), it functions as a concise emblem of elemental force within South Asian traditions and diaspora communities. In New York’s birth records from 1967 to 2002, Anil appeared in single digits to low teens per year, never breaching the top 200—a statistic that may appeal to parents seeking quiet confidence over constant name recognition. Peaking at fourteen occurrences and a ranking around 220 in the mid-1970s, the name gradually settled into the low 240s by the early 2000s, illustrating a steady yet modest trajectory. Such consistency suggests that Anil, while too reserved for the mainstream, carries a blend of cultural depth and subtle individuality, offering an understated choice that feels both timeless and refreshingly discreet.