Rising since 1988, #3,832 for girls today.
Popularity of Niva since 1913
Babies named Niva per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 17 |
| 1920s | 8 |
| 1930s | 5 |
| 1940s | 11 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 12 |
| 1970s | 16 |
| 1980s | 23 |
| 1990s | 27 |
| 2000s | 74 |
| 2010s | 184 |
| 2020s | 149 |
Meaning & origin
Niva is a name of uncertain origin, possibly derived from the Irish Niamh or a modern coinage. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1913, but remained rare for decades. Since 1988, however, its popularity has been rising, reaching a peak rank of 3832 in 2025, with about 1 in 42,297 newborn girls receiving the name that year. Its top states are New Jersey and Texas, suggesting a scattered but growing appeal. Niva's brief, vowel-ending sound fits a modern trend for soft, feminine names, while its potential Irish connection lends it an understated heritage.
Niva may be a modern spelling variant of the Irish name Niamh, meaning 'bright' or 'radiant', but it could also be an independent coinage inspired by similar-sounding names. Its use in the United States has been sporadic since the early 20th century, with a notable resurgence since the late 1980s.
Where Niva is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Niva
Names that share Niva's style, for a brother or sister.
