Holding steady, #5,238 for girls today.
Popularity of Caoimhe since 1996
Babies named Caoimhe per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 25 |
| 2000s | 109 |
| 2010s | 146 |
| 2020s | 75 |
Meaning & origin
Caoimhe entered U.S. records in 1996 and has remained a rare but steady presence, achieving its peak rank of 5,238 in 2025 with 1 in 66,969 newborns. Its trajectory is stable, reflecting a niche but enduring appeal among families seeking authentic Irish heritage. The name has not cracked into top state lists, consistent with its overall low frequency. Despite its pronunciation hurdle (KEE-va), Caoimhe retains its cultural resonance as a distinctly Irish choice.
Caoimhe is derived from the Old Irish word 'caím' meaning 'gentle, beautiful, precious'. It is the feminine form of the masculine name Caoimhín (Kevin). Historically popular in Ireland, it remains a common name there, though its unique spelling presents challenges internationally.
“Caoimhe” around the world
Where Caoimhe lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
#31
in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Keeva, Keev
Sibling names for Caoimhe
Names that share Caoimhe's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Aoife, Niamh, Ciara, Saoirse, Maeve, Ashlinn, Brighid, Eilis, Fia, Fiadh, Maire, Mairin, Moira, Orla, Siobhan, Sorcha, Neave, Abiageal, Aibhlinn, Emer, Madailein, Talulla
Brothers: Cian, Oisín, Fionn, Liam, Aidan, Aedan, Aodhan, Conor, Deaglan, Dempsey, Donal, Eoin, Finnian, Finnigan, Keagan, Keeghan, Keiran, Malachy, Oisin, Oran, Rafferty, Rian, Riordan, Rory, Seamus, Shamus, Sheamus, Tadhg, Tiernan, Aemon, Breandan, Keevan, Lochlin, Ossian, Pearse
