Niamh May

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Niamh May — bright, radiant
480K People worldwide
Ireland Most common in
2000s Peak popularity
Gender
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Niamh May is a name that combines Celtic origins. The first name Niamh is a feminine given name of Celtic origin. From Irish Gaelic Niamh, meaning 'bright' or 'radiant.' In Irish mythology, Niamh of the Golden Hair was a princess of Tír na nÓg (Land of Eternal Youth). The surname May: May is a surname of Germanic (Saxon) and, independently, of Gaelic origin. There are many variants used in English-speaking countries, as well as several variants used in Germany. The Scottish May is a sept of Clan Donald. The surname "May" remains a common surname in the United States, England, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Germany, Australia and New Zealand, as well as among Russians of German origin; possibly also persisting in areas of the Netherlands and France. Niamh is a well-known first name, carried by approximately 480K people globally, with the highest concentration in Ireland. The name Niamh reached peak popularity in the 2000s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.

Etymology & Origin

First Name: Niamh

Meaning: bright, radiant

Celtic

From Irish Gaelic Niamh, meaning 'bright' or 'radiant.' In Irish mythology, Niamh of the Golden Hair was a princess of Tír na nÓg (Land of Eternal Youth).

Surname: May

Germanic

May is a surname of Germanic (Saxon) and, independently, of Gaelic origin. There are many variants used in English-speaking countries, as well as several variants used in Germany. The Scottish May is a sept of Clan Donald. The surname "May" remains a common surname in the United States, England, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Germany, Australia and New Zealand, as well as among Russians of German origin; possibly also persisting in areas of the Netherlands and France.

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Geographic Distribution

The first name Niamh is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:

Ireland 43%
United Kingdom 39%
Australia 13%
United States 5%

Popularity Over Time

Popularity of the name Niamh by decade, based on birth registration data:

1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
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Name Variants & Related Names

The name Niamh has several variants and related forms across different languages and cultures:

  • Neve
  • Nieve
  • Niamh

Notable People Named Niamh May

People listed above share this name. Listed for informational purposes only. Source: Wikipedia.

Numerology

According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Niamh May:

3
Expression Number

Creativity and self-expression. Associated with artistic flair, optimism and sociability — a natural communicator.

11
Soul Urge Number

Intuition and inspiration (Master Number 11). Amplifies spiritual awareness, creative vision and sensitivity.

1
Personality Number

Leadership and independence. This number suggests a self-reliant, ambitious and pioneering personality that forges its own path.

Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the first name Niamh?
The first name Niamh originates from Celtic. From Irish Gaelic Niamh, meaning 'bright' or 'radiant.' In Irish mythology, Niamh of the Golden Hair was a princess of Tír na nÓg (Land of Eternal Youth).
When was Niamh most popular?
The name Niamh reached its peak popularity during the 2000s.
What is the origin of the surname May?
The surname May originates from Germanic. May is a surname of Germanic (Saxon) and, independently, of Gaelic origin. There are many variants used in English-speaking countries, as well as several variants used in Germany. The Scottish May is a sept of Clan Donald. The surname "May" remains a common surname in the United States, England, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Germany, Australia and New Zealand, as well as among Russians of German origin; possibly also persisting in areas of the Netherlands and France.
What are the origins of the name Niamh May?
The name Niamh May combines two different traditions: the first name Niamh has Celtic roots, while the surname May originates from Germanic.
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