Neave is a unique and uncommon given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname "Neeve" or "Niabh," which is believed to mean "bright" or "radiant." The name has its roots in the ancient Irish language, where it was used as a feminine given name.
The name Neave first appeared in Ireland during the Middle Ages and was often associated with the ruling families of the time. It is thought that the name may have been derived from the Old Irish word "ní" meaning "bright" or "radiant," combined with the suffix "-abha" which signifies "radiance" or " brightness."
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Neave. One of the most famous was Neave Carver, an English actress who was born in the late 19th century and became known for her roles on stage and in early silent films.
Today, Neave remains a rare and distinctive given name, often chosen by parents looking for something unique and meaningful for their child. Despite its Irish origins, it has gained popularity around the world, with people of various backgrounds choosing this beautiful and significant name for their children.
The name Neave has seen varying popularity in the United States over the past two decades, with a total of 169 babies born with this unique name since 2003.
In 2005 and 2006, there were 12 births each year, marking the highest number of newborns named Neave in any given year during this period. However, the popularity of the name seemed to fluctuate significantly throughout the years. For instance, there was a noticeable increase from 7 births in 2009 to 15 births in 2008, and again from 5 births in 2019 to 13 births in 2016.
Interestingly, there were two periods where the number of newborns named Neave peaked: firstly between 2016 and 2018 with 16, 13, and 13 births respectively; and secondly in more recent years, with 10 births in 2022 and 9 births in 2023.
Despite these fluctuations, it's clear that Neave remains a distinctive choice for parents seeking a unique name for their child. While not consistently popular throughout the years, its usage has shown periods of notable interest among new parents in the United States.