Niamh Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Niamh is an Irish name meaning 'brightness' or 'radiance', derived from Old Irish. It has historical forms such as Niam, and it is linked to Irish mythology. The name embodies traits of beauty and grace and has no biblical relevance. It has been used for centuries and enjoys modern popularity, particularly in Ireland.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Niamh"
Pronunciation
/niːv/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
The name Niamh comes from the Old Irish word 'niam', meaning 'brightness' or 'radiance'. In Irish mythology, Niamh is known as the daughter of the sea god Manannán mac Lir.
Meaning
brightness, radiance
Language Evolution
Niamh (Modern Irish), Niam (Old Irish)
Historical Usage
Niamh has been used as a feminine given name in Ireland for centuries, gaining popularity due in part to its association with Irish mythology and literature.
Variants & Derivatives
Neve, Nieve, Niam
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Niamh is a popular name in Ireland and among Irish communities worldwide, often associated with beauty and grace due to its mythological roots.
Famous People
Niamh Cusack - a noted Irish actress, Niamh McGirr - a prominent Irish author
📊 Niamh Name Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Niamh Name Visualizations
✨ Niamh Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 74 peak births in 2008
Geographic Spread
Popular across 8 US states, with strongest presence in Massachusetts
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 4 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Niamh" - Complete Guide (1 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Niamh". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 1 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Niamh" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Niamh"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Niamh"
"Niamh" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 15137th of 19264 | 13 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 7589th of 27321 | 151 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 2815th of 35406 | 923 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 3765th of 30306 | 487 |
Regional Popularity of "Niamh" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Niamh" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
58.35% 2611th/4475 |
- |
83.08% 5248th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
57.84% 2650th/4582 |
22.60% 1167th/5164 |
94.65% 6922nd/7313 |
42.07% 3140th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
88.13% 3511th/3984 |
41.19% 1848th/4487 |
- |
65.34% 4101st/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Niamh"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Niamh" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Niamh" in the United States
The name Niamh is most popular in Massachusetts, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Niamh has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Niamh' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 15137th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 7589th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2815th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3765th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Niamh' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.