Niamh Name, Meaning, Origin, History, And Popularity
An Irish mythological name that signifies beauty and radiance.
MomJunction believes in providing reliable, research-backed information to you. As per our strong editorial policy requirements, we base our health articles on references (citations) taken from authority sites, international journals, and research studies. However, if you find any incongruencies, feel free to write to us.
In This Article
- ❯Origin, Meaning, And History of Niamh
- ❯How To Pronounce Niamh?
- ❯‘Niamh’ In QR Code
- ❯Notable People Named Niamh
- ❯Niamh On The Popularity Chart
- ❯Popularity Over Time
- ❯Rank Over Time
- ❯Popularity Within US States
- ❯Niamh Name's Presence On Social Media
- ❯Niamh’s Mention In Fictional Works
- ❯Names With Similar Sound As Niamh
- ❯Popular Sibling Names For Niamh
- ❯Other Popular Names Beginning With N
- ❯Names With Similar Meaning As Niamh
- ❯Names Rhyming With Niamh
- ❯Anagram Names Of Niamh
- ❯Popular Songs On The Name Niamh
- ❯Acrostic Poem On Niamh
- ❯Adorable Nicknames For Niamh
- ❯Niamh’s Zodiac Sign As Per Western Astrology
- ❯Niamh’s Zodiac Sign And Birth Star As Per Vedic Astrology
- ❯Niamh Personality Traits As Per Numerology
- ❯Infographic: Know The Name Niamh's Personality As Per Numerology
- ❯Niamh In Different Languages
- ❯Niamh In Fancy Fonts
- ❯Adorable ‘Niamh’ Wallpapers To Share
- ❯How To Communicate The Name Niamh In Sign Languages
- ❯Name Numerology For Niamh
- ❯Baby Name Lists Containing Niamh
- ❯Frequently Asked Questions
- ❯Look Up For Many More Names
- ❯Phonemic Representation Of Niamh
- Community Experiences
Origin, Meaning, And History of Niamh
The name Niamh originates in Old Ireland from the word Niam, which means ‘bright’ or ‘radiant.’ It is predominantly used in English and Welsh, where it means ‘radiance’ or ‘shine,’ respectively. The name has been anglicized in various forms, such as Neve, Nieve, Neave, Beach, or Neeve.
In Irish mythology, Niamh or Niam was the lover or spouse of the poet-hero Oisin. She was the daughter of the sea God Manannán mac Lir and one of the queens of Tír na nÓg, the land of eternal youth. In the story of the Golden-haired Niamh, she was carried away to the Land of Youth and stayed there for 300 years. Niamh was also depicted as a mortal princess of Munster who eloped with Oisin and was called “Niamh of the Golden Hair.” She is often represented as a beautiful princess riding on a white horse.
Niamh was first used in modern Ireland in 1911, and variations such as Neve, Nieve, Neave, Beach, or Neeve are still used. Some adorable nicknames that can be used with this name include Evie, Nia, or Neevie. Niamh is also a surname brought over to England by William the Conqueror and was first recorded in Norfolk and Perthshire.
The name gained popularity globally in the early 1900s, particularly in Western Europe. Niamh Cassidy is a popular fictional character in the Irish soap opera “Fair City,” portrayed by Clelia Murphy. She is the former wife of the billionaire Paul Brennan and the mother of Ruth Brennan. Niamh also appears as a fictional character in the historical-fantasy novel “Son of the Shadows” by Juliet Marillier. She is golden-haired and is Red and Sorcha’s first child, named after Sorcha’s deceased mother, and is introduced in the second book of the series “Sevenwaters Trilogy.”
Niamh
Girl
Christianity
Irish
9
Two
1 word, 5 letters, 2 vowels, 3 consonants
Short and easy to pronounce
How To Pronounce Niamh?
The way you pronounce a name can make all the difference.
Listen to the sound of the name Niamh in English.
‘Niamh’ In QR Code
Here's a unique feature for the modern, tech-savvy, and curious parents – have your baby's name in a QR code. If you want your close circle to know your newborn's name, all you need to do is simply scan and share it. The code not only shows the name but its meaning as well; this means you don't have to painfully explain the meaning of your baby's name anymore! So, go ahead. Download, save, and share it with your family and friends, or use it to create personalized keepsakes for your little one.
Notable People Named Niamh
This section covers people who have made the name Niamh famous with their contributions in various fields. It indeed is a little more inspiration for you to choose the name for your baby, don’t you think?
- Niamh McGradyActress
- Niamh WilsonActress
- Niamh KavanaghSinger
- Niamh AlgarIrish actress, nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Calm with Horses
- Niamh Louise CharlesEnglish professional football player, who plays for the England Women's National Football Team
- Niamh CusackIrish actress, known for her role in the series 'Heartbeat'
- Niamh SharkeyIrish children's author and illustrator, known for her work 'Henry Hugglemonster'
- Niamh CosgraveIrish politician, known for her campaign for Hepatitis C Blood victims
Niamh On The Popularity Chart
Niamh has been a popular name according to the SSA data. Check out these graphs to learn more about its popularity and ranking.
Popularity Over Time
As shown in the graph, Niamh rose to popularity in the 1990s and continued to rise steadily, with a few slowdowns in between.
Source: Social Security AdministrationRank Over Time
Although not widely used in 1980, the name Niamh has gained popularity over time, as illustrated in the graph.
Source: Social Security AdministrationPopularity Within US States
If you're living in the US, you might be curious about the popularity of Niamh in your own state, a state you're considering moving to, or one with which you have a connection. Use the drop-down menu below to select any US state and discover the name's popularity within that region.
California
Texas
Niamh Name’s Presence On Social Media
Before you finalize your baby’s name, you would want to assess if the name is rare or popular. Digital footprint of the name - it’s presence on the internet and social media platforms - can provide you with valuable insights on it’s popularity. A name’s online presence is an important metric for new parents to evaluate their options and make an informed choice. How many people are searching the name on Google, how many profiles are there on Facebook, does the name have a Wikipedia page? Such information surely tells you if the name is ubiquitous or unique. Here is how Niamh fares on that count.
Niamh’s Mention In Fictional Works
In this section, know how the creative minds have treated the name Niamh in their fictional works. How often has the name been woven into the storylines, and how popular was the character – these details may not directly influence your naming decision, but you would like to know about Niamh’s performance in the world of entertainment, won’t you? Moreover, it could be the name of the character from a movie or series you loved or binge-watched recently! So, check out Niamh’s performance in the fictional cosmos.
Title | Character name | Role played by |
---|---|---|
An Extinction | Niamh | Sinead White-Fox |
Paddywhackery | Niamh | Jayne Stynes |
24Seven | Niamh | Barbara Dryhurst |
Slaine: The Horned God | Niamh | Sara Mattioli |
27, Memory Lane | Niamh Healy - 17 | Diona Doherty |
When You're Gone | Niamh | Alexandra Lindsay |
Ballykissangel | Niamh Egan, Niamh Quigley, Niamh Dillon | Tina Kellegher |
Whacked | Niamh Ryan | Sarah Townsend |
London Irish | Niamh | Kat Reagan |
Faeries | Princess Niamh | Morgan Brittany |
Names With Similar Sound As Niamh
If you like the stylish sound of Niamh, you will also like these similar-sounding names for your baby girl. Have a look!
Popular Sibling Names For Niamh
If you are looking for some matching sibling names that resonate with Niamh, check our suggestions here.
Boy Sibling Names For Niamh
Find matching brother names for Niamh and create a wonderful team of siblings.
NaamadharGirl Sibling Names For Niamh
Looking for some suitable sister names for Niamh? Check out our collection of beautiful and unique names.
NaamaOther Popular Names Beginning With N
Looking for more baby names starting with the letter N to resonate with your family’s naming tradition or to rhyme with the sibling names? Find a range of alternative names starting with this letter.
Names With Similar Meaning As Niamh
Do you want your princess to be named after a beautiful goddess? Here are some options to discover other than Niamh.
Names Rhyming With Niamh
The significance of rhyming names extends beyond their aesthetic appeal and a good feel. The repetition and symmetry enhance their memorability. If you want your children’s names to be easily remembered or tune with your name, try some rhyming names. Here are such names that rhyme with Niamh.
Anagram Names Of Niamh
William Shakespeare is known for his ‘onomastic wit,’ with anagrams being one of them (remember the play Twelfth Night?). Anagram is the rearrangement of the same letters to form different words. Anagramming names has been in vogue for centuries now, and why not when it can create some cute names? Anagram baby names stand out with their unique sound and spellings. You may try an anagram of your name or your partner’s; even better if you combine both names and then try an anagram for the baby. It all stays in the family this way. You may also try anagram names for siblings, especially twins. Here are some anagrams of Niamh.
MahinPopular Songs On The Name Niamh
Acrostic Poem On Niamh
Dive into the lyrical charm of the name Niamh with this acrostic poem. Witness how each letter paints together a story, capturing the name’s individuality, strength, vitality, and sophistication. Inspiring, is it? Why not try a similar poem that describes what you think of your baby’s personality?
Noble and pious, an angel sent from above.
Illuminating ideas that will inspire the world.
Ambitious and active, never resting for a minute.
Mystical as the star-speckled moonlit night.
Helping others grow, and kindness to always show.
Adorable Nicknames For Niamh
Nicknames are an integral part of your communication with your baby. You tend to use several variations of your child’s name; some are meaningful, while others are simply adorable sounds. Here are a few nicknames you can begin with for the name Niamh.
- Nia
- Niam
- Niah
- Niamhy
- Niamhie
Niamh’s Zodiac Sign As Per Western Astrology
Western astrology includes the construction of a horoscope based on the person’s exact time of birth and location to understand the positions of the planet, stars, and zodiac signs at that time. However, in popular culture, it is often narrowed down to the sun sign, which depends on the person’s birth date.There are 12 zodiac signs, each having dominant traits, planetary rulers, elemental connection, and more.
Zodiac sign or Sun sign
The Earth’s orbit around the sun is divided into 12 zodiac signs covering 30-degree sectors. According to Western astrology, the zodiac or sun sign depends on the sun’s position in one of these sectors at the time of your birth. Starting from the sun’s position at the March equinox, the chart goes anti-clockwise from Aries, followed by Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. These signs are ruled by planetary bodies - Mars, Venus, Mercury, Moon, Sun, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Furthermore, they are categorized into triplicities or elemental signs - fire, water, air, and earth - that govern their characteristics. Each of these zodiac signs features certain personality traits that may determine how a person presents themselves.
Why the date of birth matters
Each zodiac sign in Western astrology is linked to a specific range of dates in the year. Unlike Vedic astrology, where names can sometimes be used to infer astrological details, Western astrology relies entirely on the birth date.
To know more about your baby’s zodiac sign, choose the period in which your baby’s date of birth falls, from the options given below. This will give you a glimpse into the world of astrology tailored for your baby.
Select your baby’s birthdate range
Mar 21 – Apr 19
Apr 20 – May 20
May 21 – Jun 20
Jun 21 – Jul 22
Jul 23 – Aug 22
Aug 23 – Sep 22
Sep 23 – Oct 22
Oct 23 – Nov 21
Nov 22 – Dec 21
Dec 22 – Jan 19
Jan 20 – Feb 18
Feb 19 – Mar 20
Niamh’s Zodiac Sign And Birth Star As Per Vedic Astrology
Vedic astrology, also called Jyotisha, provides deep insights into a person’s life based on celestial positions at birth. Rashi and nakshatra, which are an integral part of Jyotisha, are believed to influence an individual’s personality and life events. The following sections give you rashi-related information, such as the associated letters, elements, ruling body, quality, and nakshatra for the name Niamh. These details help analyze a person’s characteristics, personality, and behavior.
Zodiac Sign (Rashi)
As shown in the following table, each rashi is associated with specific sounds, which are often used as the starting letters of names for newborns in Hindu families. Each rashi is represented by a figure and one of the five elements – Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether (Space). One ruling celestial body, known as its 'rashi lord' or 'ruler' is assigned to these rashis. These bodies include Venus, Mars, Sun, Moon, Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn. Furthermore, the rashis are assigned various qualities or gunas.
Rashi (zodiac sign) | Vruschika (Scorpio) |
---|---|
Starting letters for Vruschika (Scorpio) rashi | N, Y |
Representation | Scorpion |
Element | Water |
Ruling body | Mars |
Quality | Fixed |
Birth Star (Nakshatra)
Another important aspect of Vedic Astrology is the nakshatras, the lunar constellations or star clusters that the Moon occupies during a person's birth. There are 27 nakshatras, each with its own unique qualities, attributes, and symbolism. Each rashi contains two-and-one-fourth nakshatras in it. For example, Aries contains Ashwini, Bharani, and Krithika nakshatras.
The below table provides information on the nakshatras’ degrees on the zodiac circle, their lords and related syllables, for babies born in the Vruschika (Scorpio) rashi. These syllables/phonetics are popularly used to choose the baby name. For precise nakshatra calculation based on your baby's birthplace and date, use our Nakshatra Calculator.
Nakshatra | Degrees Of The Nakshatra | Nakshatra Lord (Ruler) | Name Syllables |
---|---|---|---|
Visakha (Vishakam) | Scorpio (0 to 3.20 degrees) | Jupiter | Ti, Tee, Too, Te, Tu, Tae, To |
Anuradha (Anizham, Anusham) | Scorpio (3.20 to 16.40 degrees) | Saturn | Na, Naa, Ni, Nu, Ne, Nee, Noo, Nae |
Jyeshta (Triketta) | Scorpio (16.40 to 30 degrees) | Mercury | No, Ya, Yaa, Yi, Yu |
Niamh Personality Traits As Per Numerology
The numerology belief system envisages a relationship between a name and numbers. The related numbers are believed to give insights into a person’s character. We have researched this area to connect the numerology-based characteristic traits to the letters of the English alphabet. And the results are fascinating.
Numerology followers believe that each letter signifies attributes that can influence a person’s attitude and approach. Among these placements, the most significant are the first letter (Cornerstone) and the last letter (Capstone) of a name. Cornerstone highlights your primary personality traits and explains how you face challenges and opportunities in life. Capstone can tell you about your approach to work and how you complete them. Often, a letter may be repeated twice or more in a name. This repetition signifies the intensification or amplification of the traits associated with the letter in an individual’s personality.
Read to know what characteristics the name Niamh is known for in numerology. Here we have avoided repetition of letters and added them just once for a better reading experience.
NYou are imaginative, purposeful, and versatile. You have a unique approach to life and are free-thinking..
IYou are ambitious, brave, and independent. You tend to be dominating and seek power and status.
AYou are ambitious, brave, and independent. You tend to be dominating and seek power and status.
MYou are hard-working, goal-oriented, and enterprising. You will succeed in business and financial matters.
HYou are methodical and practical while working. However, you tend to leave much to fate.
Infographic: Know The Name Niamh‘s Personality As Per Numerology
Niamh In Different Languages
It’s exciting to see our baby’s name spelled and written in various languages. See how people spell Niamh in Spanish, French, German, Italian, and more! Each language has its own way of saying Niamh, but it’s still the same special name. Learn how the name looks and sounds in different languages around the world!
Name | Language | Code |
---|---|---|
Niamh | English | en |
尼亚姆 | Chinese | zh-CN |
नियामह | Hindi | hi |
Niamh | Spanish | es |
Niamh | French | fr |
نيامه | Arabic | ar |
niamh | Bengali | bn |
Niamh | Portuguese | pt |
Ниам | Russian | ru |
نیام | Urdu | ur |
Niamh | Indonesian | id |
Niamh | German | de |
ニアム | Japanese | ja |
नियामह | Marathi | mr |
niamh | Telugu | te |
Niamh | Turkish | tr |
நியாம் | Tamil | ta |
Niamh | Vietnamese | vi |
Niamh | Tagalog | tl |
니암 | Korean | ko |
Niamh | Hausa | ha |
Niamh | Swahili | sw |
Niamh | Javanese | jv |
Niamh | Italian | it |
niamh | Punjabi | pa |
niamh | Gujarati | gu |
เนียมห์ | Thai | th |
niamh | Kannada | kn |
niamh | Amharic | am |
नियामह | Bhojpuri | bho |
Niamh | Yoruba | yo |
Niamh In Fancy Fonts
Visualize your little one’s name in different captivating fonts. You can use these fancy styles on birth announcement cards, nursery decorations, personalized gifts, to name a few. Select the perfect font from these options for a touch of personalization.
- Double Struck Fontℕ 𝕚 𝕒 𝕞 𝕙
- Bold Script Font𝓝 𝓲 𝓪 𝓶 𝓱
- Fancy Style 35 Fontη ï α m h
- Fancy Style 7 FontŇ Ɨ Δ Μ Ħ
- Love FontN♥ i♥ a♥ m♥ h♥
- Black Square Font🅽 🅸 🅰 🅼 🅷
- Hand Writing 2 FontN ι α ɱ ԋ
- X Above Bellow FontN͓̽ i͓̽ a͓̽ m͓̽ h͓̽
Liked our fancy fonts for Niamh? Why not go a step forward with these beautiful posters? They are perfect to download and use as display pictures or social media posts! You may also use them as part of decorating your child’s room. These personalized wallpapers celebrate the positive vibes of the name, offering a unique way to show how much this name means to you. What’s more! You have multiple options here to choose depending on your mood or occasion.
Niamh 3D Wallpaper
Niamh Birthday Wallpaper
‘I Love Niamh’ Wallpaper
Stylish Niamh Wallpaper
Niamh Name Initial Wallpaper
How To Communicate The Name Niamh In Sign Languages
In Nautical Flags
Niamh
In Sign Language
Niamh
In Braille Alphabet
Niamh
In Morse Code
Niamh
In Barcode
In Binary
01001110 01101001 01100001 01101101 01101000
Name Numerology For Niamh
Numerology is an occult system that gives significance to numbers and their influence on human life and destiny. Numerologists attribute specific qualities, energies, and characteristics to a number. Parents who believe in numerology prefer to choose baby names that resonate positively with the child’s unique numerical vibrations, often derived from their date of birth. Here we give a general birth number and personality traits of the name Niamh, based on the Pythagorean (Western) system. This analysis will differ from child to child based on their date of birth. You may use our numerology calculator for more personalized information.
Destiny Number
You are meant to bring beauty, charity, romance, and perfection to the world. You are destined to live a life of generosity, kindness, forgiveness, and compassion for ultimate happiness in life.
Personality Number
You appear strong, powerful and confident. You would love to push yourself to reach higher goals. Others see you as someone with a good business sense. On the other side, you are egocentric and can be ruthless.
Soul Number
Independent, and have a strong desire to become a leader in your respective field. You long to be in complete control of your destiny.
Baby Name Lists Containing Niamh
Read through our baby name lists that include the name Niamh and several other similar names. The wider the choice, the better your selection. Isn't it?
- Baby Girl Names With Meanings›
- Baby Girl Names That Start With Letter N›
- Irish Baby Names With Meanings›
- Irish Baby Names Starting With Letter N›
- Irish Baby Girl Names, Starting With Letter N›
- Christianity Baby Names With Meanings›
- Christianity Baby Names Starting With Letter N›
- Christianity Baby Girl Names, Starting With Letter N›
- 100 Amazing Short Baby Girl Names With Meanings›
- 80 Cool Druid Names With Meanings›
- 250 Divine Goddess Names For Baby Girl, With Meanings›
- 50 Beautiful But Hard To Pronounce Baby Names›
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the meaning of the name Niamh?
The name Niamh means ‘bright’ or ‘radiant.’
2. What is the origin of the name Niamh?
Niamh has an Irish origin.
3. How to pronounce the name Niamh?
Niamh is pronounced as neev.
4. What are some middle name options that go well with Niamh?
To enhance the beauty of the name Niamh, which means ‘radiant’ or ‘bright,’ consider choosing middle names that share a similar meaning. Some wonderful options include the Irish name Aileen, which means ‘bright’ or ‘shining,’ the multicultural name Avira, which signifies ‘bright’ or ‘radiant,’ the Roman and Italian name Chiara, which translates to ‘clear’ or ‘bright,’ the French name Claire, meaning ‘clear’ or ‘bright,’ and the Hungarian name Ilka, which represents ‘bright’ or ‘light.’
5. What are the positive qualities associated with the name Niamh?
According to numerology, the name Niamh embodies strength, power, and confidence. Niamh also signifies a drive to achieve higher goals and push themselves to succeed. Lastly, the name also represents strong business sense, independence, and leadership qualities.
6. Is Niamh a gender-neutral name?
No, the name Niamh is primarily used for girls. It has its origins in Old Ireland, derived from the word Niam, which signifies ‘bright’ or ‘radiant.’ In English, Niamh is predominantly used, while in Welsh, it takes on the meaning of ‘radiance’ or ‘shine.’
7. Is Niamh a traditional or modern baby name?
The name Niamh has roots in ancient Irish mythology where it was the lover or spouse of the poet-hero Oisin, the daughter of the sea God Manannán mac Lir. She was also one of the queens of Tír na nÓg and has been used for centuries. Therefore, Niamh is a traditional name.
References
- Niamh
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niamh - Astrology, Hermes (2023); Astrology for Beginners.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370635414_Astrology_for_Beginners - Shirley Lawrence; The Secret Science of Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Numbers and Letters.
https://www.academia.edu/97492675/The_Secret_Science_of_Numerology_The_Hidden_Meaning_of_Numbers_and_Letters_Shirley_Lawrence&nav_from=a3c5c3fd-555f-4584-b66d-4a3c8023402e&rw_pos=0 - Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia; “zodiac”; Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/zodiac - P.V.R. Narasimha Rao; Vedic Astrology: An Integrated Approach.
https://www.vedicastrologer.org/articles/vedic_astro_textbook.pdf - Paulo Martins; A Concise History of Hindu Astrology and Indian Spirituality; Scholars Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
https://www.saspublishers.com/media/articles/SJAHSS_112_33-36_FT_MAEgJAB.pdf - International Phonetic Association.
https://www.internationalphoneticassociation.org/ - Adam Szczegielniak; Phonetics: The Sounds of Language; Harvard University.
https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/adam/files/phonetics.ppt.pdf - Lalita K. Wani et al; Review of Scientific Analysis Of Sacred Sound OM (AUM); Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR), Novermber 2020.
https://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2011207.pdf
Look Up For Many More Names
Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.
Phonemic Representation Of Niamh
Phonemics is the study of a language’s distinctive sound units (phonemes), as standardized by the International Phonetics Association. When choosing a name for your baby, knowing its phonemic pronunciation gives an idea about the name’s sound pattern and auditory appeal. You can assess the name’s ease of pronunciation, memorability, and softness. Here is the phonemic transcription of Niamh in American and British accents.
- In American English: /ˈniːv/
- In British English: /niːv/
Pronunciation of names, in fact, any spoken word, involves the participation of various parts of the mouth, vocal cord, nose, and lungs. Underneath all the sounds we make is the airstream flowing from the lungs and moving up to the mouth. It’s incredible how lips, tongue, teeth, alveolar ridge, palate, glottis, and larynx work harmoniously to bring out the words. Studies have proved that positive sounds like OM (AUM) help maintain hormonal balance and mental health and reduce stress and anxiety. So, what parts does Niamh trigger? Find the details here; the sound of Niamh might bring in more positive vibes into your life!
Phoneme | Articulation |
---|---|
/n/ | Tip of the tongue touching the alveolar ridge. Airflow stops for a fraction of a second |
/i/ | Tongue high front, spread lips. Airflow is continuous |
/v/ | Touching the bottom lip to the upper teeth. Severely obstructs the airflow and causes friction |
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.
Read full bio of Philip Young
Read full bio of Ipshita Chakraborty
Read full bio of Srija Chanda Burman
Read full bio of Lorraine Teron