Declining since 2017, #5,238 for girls today.
Popularity of Niah since 1982
Babies named Niah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 34 |
| 1990s | 188 |
| 2000s | 579 |
| 2010s | 655 |
| 2020s | 285 |
Meaning & origin
Niah is a modern feminine name that first entered U.S. birth records in 1982. It reached its peak rank of 5,238 in 2013 with an estimated 1 in 66,969 newborn girls receiving the name. Since 2017, usage has been falling, reflecting a broader trend away from its particular style. The name's origins are unclear; it may be a respelling of Nia (Welsh for 'bright') or a product of the fashionable -iah suffix seen in names like Jeremiah. Niah has no strong association with any single region or culture, and it appears rarely, making it an uncommon choice. Its appeal lies in its short, melodic sound and modern feel, but it has not seen widespread adoption.
Niah first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1982, likely as a modern coinage or respelling. It may be a variant of the Welsh name Nia, itself a form of Niamh, or an elaboration of the popular suffix -iah found in names like Jeremiah. The name remains uncommon, with no clear root in any ancient language.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Niah
Names that share Niah's style, for a brother or sister.
