MallowbyNames

Niobe

ny-OH-bee · Of uncertain origin, possibly related to the Greek word for 'snowy' or derived from a pre-Greek name.

2025 rank (girls)
#11,932
Babies named in 2025
7
Peak popularity
2004
2025 frequency
1 in 229,610 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady, #11,932 for girls today.

Popularity of Niobe since 2003

Babies named Niobe per year in U.S. Social Security records.

11223320102020Most births 2004Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
2000s123
2010s47
2020s27

Meaning & origin

Niobe is a name from Greek mythology, tragically known as the mother whose twelve children were slain by Apollo and Artemis. The name first appeared on U.S. birth records in 2003, and its peak year came in 2004, though it has never been common. In 2025, the name ranked 11,932, with about 1 in every 229,610 newborns receiving it. Its trajectory is stable, remaining a rare but persistent choice, likely appealing to parents interested in classical mythology. It has not been recorded in any top states, reflecting its nationwide scarcity. For those drawn to mythological names with a literary and artistic legacy, Niobe offers a distinctive option with deep cultural roots.

Niobe is a name from Greek mythology, borne by the daughter of Tantalus who was turned into a stone waterfall after boasting about her children. The name's etymology is uncertain; it may be of pre-Greek origin, or possibly related to the Greek word 'niphos' meaning 'snow'. The myth made Niobe a symbol of grief in Western literature and art. The name has been used occasionally in English-speaking countries since the Renaissance.

Sibling names for Niobe

Names that share Niobe's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

N is for Niobe, our favorite little girl.

N is for Niobe…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Niobe's letter becomes Niobe's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Niobe's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Niobe mean?
The meaning of Niobe is uncertain. In Greek mythology, she was a tragic figure turned to stone, and the name may derive from a pre-Greek source or be linked to the Greek word for 'snow'.
How popular is the name Niobe currently?
Niobe is a very rare name. In 2025, it ranked 11,932 in the United States, with approximately 1 in every 229,610 newborns given the name.
Is Niobe a boy or girl name?
Niobe is almost exclusively used as a girl's name.