Niamh: meaning and origin
Niamh
“Bright, radiant; a goddess in Irish legend”
About the name Niamh
Niamh is a girl’s name from the Irish tradition. Its meaning is “bright, radiant; a goddess in Irish legend”. Names from Irish Gaelic, often linked to nature, saints and heroes of old Irish stories — like Aiden, Maeve, Ronan and Keira.
It’s a classic: a name that has been used for generations and still feels fresh.
More names with a similar meaning: names that mean light.
Tips before you choose
- Say the full name out loud with your last name, and with any middle name.
- Check the initials — and what they spell.
- Think about nicknames kids might make from it.
- Write it down: is the spelling easy for teachers and friends?
More Irish names
- Aoife 👧Beauty, radiance · Irish
- Bridget 👧Strength, exalted one · Irish
- Ciara 👧Dark-haired · Irish
- Erin 👧Ireland · Irish
- Finley 🧒Fair-haired warrior · Irish
- Keira 👧Little dark one · Irish
- Kennedy 👧Helmeted chief; from an Irish surname · Irish
- Lennon 🧒Lover; from an Irish surname · Irish
- Maeve 👧She who intoxicates; a legendary queen of Connacht · Irish
- Nora 👧Honor; also a short form of Eleanor · Irish
- Quinn 👧Wise, counsel; from an Irish surname · Irish
- Riley 🧒Courageous; also a rye meadow · Irish
Sibling name ideas (Irish, boys)
- Aiden 👦Little fire · Irish
- Brendan 👦Prince; Saint Brendan the Navigator · Irish
- Cillian 👦Little church; also bright-headed · Irish
- Connor 👦Lover of hounds · Irish
- Cormac 👦Son of the charioteer · Irish
- Declan 👦Full of goodness; an Irish saint · Irish
- Finn 👦Fair, white; the hero Fionn mac Cumhaill · Irish
- Liam 👦Strong-willed warrior; the Irish short form of William · Irish
More girl names starting with N
- Nadia 👧Hope · Slavic
- Nalani 👧The calm of the heavens · Hawaiian
- Naomi 👧Pleasant, my delight · Hebrew
- Natalie 👧Born on Christmas Day · Latin
- Nia 👧Purpose (Swahili) · African
- Nora 👧Honor; also a short form of Eleanor · Irish
- Nova 👧New; a star that suddenly shines brightly · Latin
- Nyla 👧Winner, champion · African American
Questions and answers
What does the name Niamh mean?
Niamh is a name of Irish origin. It means: bright, radiant; a goddess in Irish legend.
Is Niamh a boy or girl name?
Niamh is usually given to girls.
How many syllables does Niamh have?
Niamh has 5 letters and about 1 syllable.