Nevil

Nevil is a masculine given name of English origin, a variant of Neville that ultimately derives from the Norman-French name Neuville, meaning “new town.” The spelling Nevil reflects a common pattern of anglicizing French names, and the form has appeared in England since medieval times. While related to the more common surname Neville, Nevil is primarily used as a first name in contemporary contexts.

The name has been borne by several notable individuals, particularly in Britain and the wider English-speaking world. Nevil Shute Norway, known professionally as Nevil Shute, was a British novelist and aeronautical engineer (1899–1960). He wrote popular works such as On the Beach and A Town Like Alice under the name Nevil Shute. Nevil Maskelyne (1732–1811) was an English astronomer who served as Astronomer Royal from 1765 to 1775 and helped advance astronomical navigation and the production of nautical almanacs.

Usage of the given name Nevil is relatively uncommon today outside certain familial or historical contexts, and it is sometimes perceived as archaic or traditional. Variants of the name, including Neville and Nevill, continue to appear as both given names and surnames, reflecting the name’s long association with English place-names and nobility.

See also: Neville. As a family name, Neville has a broader historical footprint in England and Ireland, while as a given name, Nevil remains a less frequent but historically rooted alternative.