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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Niamh or Neve?

75 replies

seashell81 · 14/03/2014 12:42

This is high on my list if bump is a girl and i'm just wondering which written form people prefer. Would Niamh cause problems with pronounciation (we do not live in Ireland)? Also if you know any other spellings for the name please let me know bit.ly/1qCmhkD

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EyelinerQueen · 14/03/2014 12:43

Niamh.

Neve is awful awful awful awful. A completely made up spelling.

If you're going to use an Irish name then spell it properly. Otherwise don't use it.

AFishCalledBarry · 14/03/2014 12:44

Niamh. Definitely. It's beautiful :)

Middleagedmotheroftwo · 14/03/2014 12:44

Niamh

CorusKate · 14/03/2014 12:45

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

NigellasDealer · 14/03/2014 12:46

niamh defiinitely

MrsBungle · 14/03/2014 12:46

Niamh

tilbatilba · 14/03/2014 12:48

both awful

Raxacoricofallapatorius · 14/03/2014 12:48

Niamh.

Mumof3xx · 14/03/2014 12:50

Niamh

It's fairly common these days I don't think spelling or pronunciation would be an issue

plum100 · 14/03/2014 12:50

I know a couple of Neve's - one whose mother is Irish herself. i also know a Neave. I would say its personal choice - just because others think its awful - not their baby! Plus sure no one would be rude enough to say its awful once shes born.

TheScience · 14/03/2014 12:50

I think Niamh has become popular enough outside Ireland that the correct spelling won't cause too many problems - similar to Siobhan, Roisin, Sinead.

holidaysarenice · 14/03/2014 12:51

Niamh or we will all silently snigger at you behind our hands.

EyelinerQueen · 14/03/2014 12:51

I agree TheScience. It's extremely popular in the UK right now.

I don't think spelling it correctly would cause any problems.

Finbarfinbo · 14/03/2014 12:54

Niamh

squoosh · 14/03/2014 13:28

They're pronounced differently.

affinia · 14/03/2014 13:30

I would go with Neve or another name people can generally spell. After 43 years am sick of spelling my name.

Think Neve is pretty anyway.

Original poster
seashell81 · 14/03/2014 15:17

Hehe, thanks for your responses - they make an entertaining read - some strong opinions here ;-)

OP posts:
grizzabellia · 14/03/2014 16:07

definitely Niamh - the name loses all its charm of spelled wrongly.

Original poster
seashell81 · 14/03/2014 16:16

I agree Niamh is prettier.

OP posts:
bouquetofpencils · 14/03/2014 17:57

Niamh. I think it is well known enough for most people to know how to spell it.
But Neve is nice too.

aoife24 · 14/03/2014 18:45

Not under any circumstances should you use Neve. It turns a beautiful name into something ugly.

FrumiousBandersnatch · 14/03/2014 22:17

I thought that Neve was pronounced to rhyme with 'bev'? That's certainly how Neve Campbell from the Scream films pronounces it...

popterryvent · 14/03/2014 22:43

I know one of each. Lovely name. I do prefer the spelling Neve though.

onthehill · 14/03/2014 22:54

Niamh. It's an Irish name, Irish spelling, also agree that most non irishers (me included) are familiar with it. Our friend Niamh who IS Irish also seems to add a sort of 'Neeyuvv' lilt to it, which is lost with Neve.

Alisvolatpropiis · 14/03/2014 23:50

Niamh.

If you're going to use a name, spell it properly.

Also Neve is Hebrew name (I think?) and not pronounced in the same way.

Neve is doesn't have the long ee sound and stronger emphasis on the v.