Niven
A boy's name of Scottish Gaelic origin with 24 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
If you're considering Niven, you're looking at a name that fewer than 24 families have ever chosen in the U.S. That kind of rarity is intentional — it signals that the name was chosen for its sound, its personal meaning, or a family connection rather than a trend.
The clean, contemporary ending gives Niven a direct, strong feel that works well in both playground and boardroom.
Niven is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Niven is a boy's baby name of Scottish Gaelic origin, an anglicization of the Gaelic Naomhán, meaning "little saint" or "holy one." It is found primarily in Scotland and among Scottish diaspora communities.
Niven has a quiet, one-syllable crispness that fits well with the current taste for short, strong names. Its most famous bearer is the actor David Niven, whose wit and elegance gave the name a particularly distinguished mid-century associations. For parents drawn to Celtic heritage names that aren't yet overused, Niven is a confident, understated choice.
EtymologyShow more
In the American context, Niven is a boy's name with a focused stretch of recorded use (2007–2014). Its Scottish Gaelic roots connect it to a broader naming tradition, but in practice, American usage often reshapes names — adding nicknames, shifting pronunciation, and building new associations that diverge from the original cultural context.
With 24 total births, Niven exists at the edges of the American naming landscape — a name known primarily to the families who carry it, giving it an intensely personal character.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Niven has 4+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2007.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 18 | #11960 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 6 | #11940 | — |
The Story of Niven
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2012, Niven is a name that defines a generation. Boys named Niven are most likely born between 2007 and 2014.
How rare is Niven?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Niven is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 2007, peaked in the 2010s with 18 births that decade.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(4 years, 2007–2014)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 6 | #11731 |
| 2012 | 7 | #10446 |
| 2010 | 5 | #13702 |
| 2007 | 6 | #11940 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Niven a boy's or girl's name?
When was Niven most popular?
How popular is the name Niven?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2007–2014