What does Aoife mean and where does it come from?
Aoife is a traditional Irish name with a rich history, deeply rooted in Irish mythology. The name is borne by several legendary figures, notably Aoife of the Tuatha Dé Danann and the mother of Cú Chulainn. It translates to 'beautiful' or 'radiant', reflecting its poetic nature. The name has gained p
Cultural significance
Aoife has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of irish.
Peak popularity
Reached #1782 in 2018 — currently #2124 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Aoife?
Aoife works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Aoife Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Aoife Rose
Floral · soft ending
Aoife Mae
Sweet · timeless
Aoife Claire
French influence · crisp
Aoife Jane
Literary · strong
Aoife Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Aoife right now?
Falling — down 341 spots — currently #2124 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #2124 | 90 | ▼ down 341 · -22% births |
| 2022 | #1783 | 115 | ▲ up 78 · +7% births |
| 2021 | #1861 | 107 | ▼ down 26 · +1% births |
| 2020 | #1835 | 106 | ▲ up 183 · +8% births |
| 2015 | #2018 | 98 | ▲ up 774 · +56% births |
| 2010 | #2792 | 63 | ▲ up 165 · +15% births |
| 2005 | #2957 | 55 | ▲ up 1097 · +77% births |
| 2000 | #4054 | 31 | ▲ up 595 · +41% births |
| 1995 | #4649 | 22 | ▲ up 4431 · +144% births |
| 1990 | #9080 | 9 | ▲ up 1464 · +50% births |
| 1985 | #10544 | 6 | — |
The story of Aoife
Aoife is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1985. With 1,691 total births recorded, Aoife remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #10544 in 1985 to #2124 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Aoife in 2018:
Aoife by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1980s | 23 | |
| 1990s | 201 | |
| 2000s | 503 | |
| 2010s ★ | 858 | |
| 2020s | 106 | |
💎With 1,691 total births, Aoife is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Aoife?
What names sound and feel like Aoife?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Aoife also consider these
How is Aoife written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Aoife
What does the name Aoife mean?
Aoife means "Irish" — a name rooted in Ireland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Aoife?
Aoife is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Aoife?
Aoife originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Aoife?
Aoife is a three-syllable name pronounced AW1 IY0 F EY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Aoife?
Aoife pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Ireland heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.