Caoife

beautiful, radiant
Irish origin · Girl name
3% boys97% girls
#1724US 2023
10Births / yr
Stable
Top 1.3%Percentile

What does Caoife mean and where does it come from?

Caoife is derived from the Old Irish word 'caomh,' meaning 'gentle' or 'beautiful.'

Cultural significance
Caoife is a prominent name in Irish mythology, associated with a legendary warrior princess.
Peak popularity
Reached #1724 in 2015 — currently #1724 in the US.
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Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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How else can you spell Caoife?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Caoife?

Caoife works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Caoife Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Caoife Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Caoife Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Caoife Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Caoife Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Caoife Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Caoife
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How popular is Caoife right now?

Holding steady — currently #1724 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20192023#1724 · Top 1.3%
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#172410stable
2022#172410stable
2021#172410stable
2020#172410stable
2019#172410
💎Caoife is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.

What are good nicknames for Caoife?

Common
CaoCaoifCaoifieCaoifyIfe

Famous people named Caoife

CO
Caoife O'Neill
An Irish athlete known for her achievements in track and field.
CM
Caoife McArdle
An Irish filmmaker recognized for her work in short films.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
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Common questions about the name Caoife

What does the name Caoife mean?
Caoife means "beautiful, radiant" — a name rooted in Irish 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 Caoife?
Caoife is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Caoife?
Caoife originates from Irish tradition. Irish names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Caoife a common or rare name?
Caoife is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Caoife more of a girl or boy name?
Caoife is primarily used as a girl name, giving it a clear, timeless character while remaining accessible to modern families.