Neave
Girl name · 262 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Neave: 262 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 16 births in 2019.
Neave is a name of Irish and Scottish Gaelic origin, derived from the old word *naomh*, meaning "holy" or "bright." It is typically considered a feminine name and is a popular variant of Niamh, the name of a legendary Irish goddess and queen in the Fenian Cycle of mythology. In modern times, it is associated with actress Neve Campbell, best known for her roles in the *Scream* films and the TV series *Party of Five*. The name's root also appears in place names such as Loch Neagh in Northern Ireland, which shares the same linguistic origin. Neave has a soft, lyrical sound that has become increasingly familiar in Scotland, and it often tops lists of popular girls' names due to its timeless, gentle elegance linking to ancient Celtic heritage.
Girl 28 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 201916 babies
- Latest (2025)
- #5395 babies
- Total births
- 262since 1998
- 5-year trend
- ▼ 43%vs prior 5y