Muriel vs Niamh

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Muriel

Girl #3,168 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"bright sea, shining sea"

Origin: Old Irish muirgeal

Cultural Roots

British Irish Scottish French

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#3,168
Total SSA Count
50
Syllables
3
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Mur, Muri, Riel

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
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Niamh

Girl #3,133 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"bright, radiant, lustrous"

Origin: Old Irish

Cultural Roots

Irish Scottish Gaelic Celtic

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#3,133
Total SSA Count
51
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Nia, Niy, Niie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Niamh →

Popularity Comparison

Muriel Rank #3,168
Niamh Rank #3,133

Niamh is more popular, ranked #3133 vs #3168 for Muriel.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Muriel ___

  • Muriel Jane
  • Muriel Grace
  • Muriel Ann
  • Muriel Rose
  • Muriel Kate
  • Muriel Claire

Niamh ___

  • Niamh Rose
  • Niamh Clare
  • Niamh Grace
  • Niamh Maeve
  • Niamh Siobhan
  • Niamh Brigid

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Muriel

Dorothy Harriet Beatrice Hugh Cecil

If you choose Niamh

Ciarán Fionnuala Roisín Seán Áine

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Muriel or Niamh more popular?

Niamh is more popular, ranked #3133 compared to Muriel at #3168 in the United States.

What do Muriel and Niamh mean?

Muriel means "bright sea, shining sea" (Old Irish muirgeal origin). Niamh means "bright, radiant, lustrous" (Old Irish origin).

Are Muriel and Niamh boy or girl names?

Muriel is primarily a girl name. Niamh is primarily a girl name.

More Comparisons

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← Full profile: Muriel ← Full profile: Niamh Browse all baby names