Niamh is a beautiful and unique Irish girl's name that means "radiance" or "shining brightness." It comes from the Irish word "niamh," which refers to bright, gleaming, or brilliant. This name has been used in Irish mythology for centuries, most notably as the name of Niamh of the Golden Hair, a daughter of Manannan mac Lir, the god of the sea.
The name Niamh is believed to have originated from an old Irish word that means "bright" or "famous." It was popularized in the 19th century by the poet and folklorist William Butler Yeats, who used it in his works. Today, Niamh is still a beloved name in Ireland, but it has also gained popularity around the world as more people become drawn to its meaning and uniqueness.
Niamh is typically pronounced as "Neeve" or "Nee-ah," with the stress on the first syllable. It can be spelled in various ways, including Niamh, Neave, Neeve, and Niav. Despite its popularity, Niamh remains a distinctive name that sets itself apart from more common names.
In summary, Niamh is an Irish girl's name with a beautiful and meaningful origin. Its association with brightness and brilliance makes it a fitting choice for parents looking for a unique and special name for their daughter.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name Niamh in the United States from 1969 to 2023. Over this period, there has been a notable increase in the popularity of the name.
In the early years, the number of births with the name Niamh was quite low, with only five births recorded in 1969. However, starting from the late 1980s, there was a significant rise in its popularity, with 14 births recorded in 1989.
The peak of popularity for the name occurred between 1995 and 2003, during which time more than 60 births were recorded each year. The highest point was reached in 2001, with a total of 69 births that year. This period could be considered as the most popular era for the name Niamh in the United States.
After 2003, there has been a steady decline in the popularity of the name, but it still remains relatively common. Even in recent years, such as 2021 and 2022, around 35 to 37 births were recorded each year.
In total, over this 54-year period, there have been 1,523 births with the name Niamh in the United States. This shows that while it may not be one of the most popular names, Niamh has maintained a consistent presence among baby names in the country.