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Baby names

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

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Original poster

Niamh spelling

22 replies

Wilhelminaaa · 13/07/2017 23:49

I really love the name Niamh, but OH doesn't like how it's spelled. I went to school with a girl named Neeve, is it bad? I have to rule it out now, don't I? 😣

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tazzy73 · 13/07/2017 23:56

I think so, sorry 😕. If your going to have an obvious Irish name I think it need the proper spelling. I like the Irish way.

Defuzzing · 13/07/2017 23:59

Yes, you will need to try another name. Sorry but you cannot use it and spell it wrong.

LockedOutOfMN · 14/07/2017 00:01

You should spell it Niamh or choose another name.

DramaAlpaca · 14/07/2017 00:03

Niamh is lovely, but IMO it has to be spelled that way.

Neeve just isn't as nice.

I wouldn't pronounce them the same anyway, but I'm in a part of Ireland where Niamh is pronounced with two syllables.

Original poster

Wilhelminaaa · 14/07/2017 00:20

That's a shame, OH was coming around to the name roo until he saw it written down... There is time yet!

OP posts:

Sophronia · 14/07/2017 00:38

I don't mind Neve, but not keen on Neeve.

Jooni · 14/07/2017 01:04

I actually like Neve and it is a legitimate spelling. It might get pronounced "nev" though, like Neve Campbell.

Dislike Neeve though!

SquedgieBeckenheim · 14/07/2017 01:08

This is why neither DD1 or 2 are named Niamh. I love the name, DH likes it but dislikes the spelling - says it's too confusing. In my opinion it's the correct spelling or not at all. Lots of people do use alternative spellings though, so it's your choice if you love the name enough to compromise on spelling.

dementedfraggle · 14/07/2017 01:25

There are actually 2 ways to pronounce Niamh. In Dublin mostly, it's one syllable ... Neeve. Outside of Dublin , most pronounce it with 2 syllables Neee-av! Myself & my friend have the same name ... Niamh .... but I'm Neeve & she's Nee-av ! Regardless of how it's pronounced, it should always be spelled Niamh . It's Irish, is spelled using the Irish alphabet (where 'mh' is a 'v' sound) and all that Neve , Neev bolox is utter shite.

OkPedro · 14/07/2017 01:29

Why does your DH not like how it's spelt?
I have disliked a school friend since she named her dd Caoimhe but spelt it Keeva 😡

SuperBeagle · 14/07/2017 02:52

I don't mind the spelling Neve.

OkPedro · 14/07/2017 04:10

It's not how Niamh should be spelt though super

SuperBeagle · 14/07/2017 04:16

Ok Yeah, I know that, I was simply answering the OP's question with my opinion.

17caterpillars1mouse · 14/07/2017 08:04

I like Niamh best but not mind Neve

I couldn't live with Neeve

IHaveBrilloHair · 14/07/2017 08:09

Please spell it Niamh, it just looks daft otherwise, people will get used to it, my Niamh is almost 16 and she loves her name, I've never regretted choosing it.

Sugarpiehoneyeye · 14/07/2017 10:15

Compromise and use Neve, not Neeve.

thethoughtfox · 14/07/2017 10:16

Don't use made up spelling. People will judge.

Miami81 · 14/07/2017 11:06

Hi 👋
I am a niamh. Moved to U.K. From Ireland 13 years ago. Some of the interpretations of my name are hilarious. I get a lot of niam, niamph (don't know where the p comes from), naomi etc etc. But I would NOT have it any other way. It's a talking point and people remember me and my funny name. And it just about makes it into the 100 names list I saw on bounty last week, so it will become more known in the next few years with the correct spelling.
If you love it, please don't change the spelling. Neve is a completely different name from a different country (Scandinavian as far as I know) and neeve doesn't really get the pronunciation right, as pp have stated, I am a ni-amh with two syllables.
I am pregnant at the moment and trying to get DH to consider sadbh (pronounced sive) but he's having none of it!! Good luck.

HoratioNightboy · 14/07/2017 11:06

If it's the "neev" sound you like, rather than any significance of the name or meaning, you could consider Neave as a spelling.

Neave is a Scottish island (very popular as name sources) and means 'holy' unlike Niamh which means 'bright', so is a legitimate spelling, and has had occasional use since 1797.

Of course, others won't know that unless you tell them, so they may still judge!

Original poster

Wilhelminaaa · 14/07/2017 15:24

Pedro

He was quite offensive actually. He said it looked 'weird', he doesn't understand the spelling as it's not our alphabet. He's frankly being dumb.

I love the spelling Niamh. It looks so soft and beautiful to me. Really, he just has to get over the 'mh' being a 'v' sound. I'll work on him.

I don't want to use Neeve or any alternatives, as I think they look harsh. 😐

Thanks!

OP posts:

OhFuds · 14/07/2017 15:35

I have a Niamh, I remember my family trying to talk me out of the name as they didn't like the spelling. I love it and glad I stuck with it as she's the only one in nursery with that name unlike the 3 Olivia's and 3 Sophia's (Olivia was my 2nd choice name).

OkPedro · 14/07/2017 18:44

You should definitely go with Niamh then wil 😉

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