Holding steady, #11,932 for girls today.
Popularity of Niobe since 2003
Babies named Niobe per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 123 |
| 2010s | 47 |
| 2020s | 27 |
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.

