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Neave
Pronounced NEEV /หniหv/Medium
Meaning: Neave is an English-friendly spelling of the Irish name Niamh, from the Irish word niamh, 'brightness' or 'radiance'. In Irish legend Niamh of the Golden Hair carried the hero Oisin to the Land of Youth. Neave is also an English surname.Medium
Popularity in the U.S. ยท SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880โpresent). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Neave anglicizes the Irish Niamh, from niamh, 'radiance, brightness', a name borne in myth by Niamh of the Golden Hair. It also stands as an English surname. The phonetic spelling helps English speakers say it, and it appeared only rarely in American records.
It was never common, given to only about sixteen girls a year at its recent peak around 2017. As a modern arrival, a girl named Neave is likely still a child today.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Neave mean?
It is an anglicized spelling of the Irish Niamh, from niamh, 'brightness, radiance'.
How do you pronounce Neave?
It is said NEEV /หniหv/, one syllable.
Is Neave a boy or girl name?
Neave is used as a girl's name.
How popular is Neave?
It was always rare in the United States, given to only about sixteen girls a year at its peak in the twenty-tens.