Find out how popular the first name Caoimhe has been for the last 28 years (from 1996 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Caoimhe by gender

Based on the last 28 years of data, Caoimhe is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Caoimhe.

The history of the first name Caoimhe

The name Caoimhe is of Irish Gaelic origin and is a feminine given name derived from the Old Irish word "cáem," meaning beautiful or lovely. It is pronounced similarly to "Keeva" or "Kwee-va."

The earliest recorded use of the name Caoimhe dates back to medieval Ireland, where it was often bestowed upon newborn girls as a reflection of the high regard for beauty and grace in Irish culture. The name's popularity grew during the Gaelic Revival of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period marked by a renewed interest in preserving and promoting Irish language, literature, and heritage.

While the name Caoimhe does not appear prominently in ancient Irish texts or religious scriptures, it has been embraced by many notable figures throughout history. One of the earliest notable individuals named Caoimhe was Caoimhe Ní Chonalláin, a renowned Irish poet and harpist who lived in the 17th century and was celebrated for her lyrical compositions and performances at the courts of Irish chieftains.

In the 19th century, Caoimhe Ní Chuinneagáin was a prominent Irish language activist and educator who played a crucial role in establishing the first Irish language primary school in Dublin. Her efforts contributed significantly to the preservation and promotion of the Irish language during a time when it faced suppression and decline.

Another notable figure named Caoimhe was Caoimhe de Barra, a talented Irish actress and singer who gained recognition in the mid-20th century for her performances in various stage productions and films. Her portrayal of Irish characters helped bring Irish culture and traditions to a wider audience.

In more recent times, Caoimhe Herlihy, born in 1964, is an accomplished Irish novelist and short story writer whose works often explore themes of identity, family, and the complexities of modern Irish life. Her debut novel, "One Little Lie," was critically acclaimed and solidified her reputation as a rising literary voice in Ireland.

Caoimhe Bambrick, born in 1976, is an Irish businesswoman and entrepreneur who co-founded the successful technology company Trustev, which specialized in online identity verification and fraud prevention. Her innovative contributions to the tech industry have earned her numerous accolades and recognition as a leader in her field.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Caoimhe was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Caoimhe, please contact us.

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