Nimue is a rare and unique feminine given name of Welsh origin. Its meaning can be translated to "holy" or "wave". The name is derived from the old Brythonic word "nemo," which means holy, sacred, or consecrated.
In Arthurian legend, Nimue appears as the Lady of the Lake, a powerful sorceress and enchantress who plays a significant role in the tales of King Arthur and his knights. She is often credited with being Merlin's teacher and lover, passing on to him her knowledge of magic and prophecy.
The name Nimue was brought into popularity by Victorian poets and authors such as Alfred Tennyson and William Morris. It can also be spelled as Nimueh or Nимue, although its original form is generally considered to be Nimue.
Despite its rich history and fascinating origins, Nimue remains a uncommon name today, often chosen by parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful moniker for their daughter.
The name Nimue has seen a steady increase in popularity over the past two decades in the United States. Between 2001 and 2023, there have been a total of 98 babies named Nimue born in the U.S., with the number of births varying from year to year.
In 2001, there were 9 newborns named Nimue, marking the start of this unique name's appearance on the birth records. The numbers then fluctuated slightly over the years: 5 births in 2007, 6 in both 2010 and 2012, and another 6 in 2015. However, starting from 2017, there was a noticeable uptick in popularity with 10 births that year.
The trend continued to rise in the following years: 8 babies were named Nimue in 2020, followed by an impressive 19 in 2021, and even more so in 2022 with 17 newborns given this name. Although there was a slight dip in popularity in 2023 with only 7 births recorded, it is clear that the name Nimue has gained traction over time.
These statistics demonstrate an interesting pattern of growth for the name Nimue in the United States, showing that while it may not have been particularly common at the start of the 21st century, its popularity has steadily increased since then.