Neymar

Meaning of Neymar

Neymar is a modern Brazilian Portuguese creation—probably coined by the footballer’s father, Neymar da Silva Santos Sr.—rather than a name with deep etymological roots, and it is pronounced nay-MAR (/neɪˈmɑr/ in English). In the United States, it first appeared on the Social Security charts in 2010 and reached a brief high point in 2014, the year its best-known bearer dazzled at the FIFA World Cup on home soil; since then, annual use has settled into the 800s range, indicating modest but persistent appeal. Parents who choose the name often cite its association with creativity, flair, and athletic excellence, attributes embodied by the Brazilian forward whose single-name branding rivals that of Pelé or Ronaldo. As a given name, Neymar carries a distinctly contemporary, global feel—neither anchored to a specific saint’s day nor burdened by centuries of tradition—making it attractive to those seeking something fresh yet instantly recognizable.