Niamh

girlIrish

Niamh is an girl name of Irish origin, meaning “Bright, radiant”.

MeaningBright, radiant
GenderGirl
OriginIrish
PronunciationNEEV
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inIreland, United Kingdom

Meaning and origin of Niamh

Niamh is an Irish name from Old Irish nem, usually translated 'brightness' or 'radiance'. In the Fenian tales Niamh Chinn Óir, 'Niamh of the golden hair', is a woman of the Otherworld who carries the hero Oisín away to Tír na nÓg, the land of youth. The spelling follows Irish rules, where mh sounds like v, so the name is said 'Neev'. It became a favourite in Ireland in the later twentieth century.

Is Niamh a religious name?

Niamh comes from Irish mythology rather than the Bible or a saint, so it has no specific religious meaning, though it is widely used in Catholic Ireland.

How popular is Niamh?

A popular girls' name in Ireland and Northern Ireland, and familiar across the United Kingdom.

Gifts with the name Niamh

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Spellings and variants of Niamh

NeveNieveNeamh

Names similar to Niamh

More girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Niamh mean?

Niamh means 'Bright, radiant'. It is of Irish origin.

Does Niamh have a religious meaning?

Niamh comes from Irish mythology rather than the Bible or a saint, so it has no specific religious meaning, though it is widely used in Catholic Ireland.

How do you pronounce Niamh?

Niamh is pronounced NEEV.

Is Niamh a boy or girl name?

Niamh is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.