Nigel

Nigel /ˈnaɪdʒəl/ is an English masculine given name. The name is derived from the Latin Nigellus. This Latin word would seem to derive from the Latin niger, meaning "black"; however this is thought to be an example of an incorrect etymology created by French-speaking clerics, who knew Latin as well, to translate the Norman first name Neel in the Latin written documents. Indeed, the Latin word nigellus gave birth to Old French neel (modern nielle), meaning “niello, black enamel” and it explains the confusion, because the clerics believed it was the same etymology as the first name Neel, spelled the same way.

In fact, the Old Norman first name Neel (modern surname Néel) derives itself from the Norse Njáll. The Norse Njáll, in turn, is derived from the Gaelic Niall. The English Nigel is commonly found in records dating from the Middle Ages, however it was not used much before being revived by 19th-century antiquarians. For instance, Sir Walter Scott published The Fortunes of Nigel in 1822, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle published Sir Nigel in 1905–06. Nigel was a common name for boys born in England and Wales from the 1950s to the 1970s (see below).

Nigel (dog)

Nigel is a male Golden Retriever dog belonging to Monty Don, a British television gardening presenter. He is known for his appearances on the BBC Two gardening programme, Gardeners' World on which he is seen following the presenter around his garden and catching and dropping his tennis ball. Apart from his television appearances, Nigel has his own Twitter account.

Injury in 2012

Nigel is popular with viewers who were concerned when he disappeared from the programme in September 2012. The reason was that he had injured himself after twisting sideways when jumping to catch his tennis ball which exploded an intervertebral disc in his spine. He was treated with steroids by a local veterinary surgeon and was then taken to Noel Fitzpatrick, a vet specialising in extreme cases who treated him with hydrotherapy, drugs and physiotherapy. He recovered and resumed his television appearances.

Don's views on dogs

Don said that he chose his dog Nigel because the domestic dog signifies the good and bad in human relationships with nature.

Nigel (disambiguation)

Nigel is an English masculine given name.

Nigel may also refer to: