Nimue
Fact sheet
- Name
- Nimue
- Gender
- Girl name
- Syllables
- 2
Nimue is a Celtic female first name, whose origins are not clarified. The name etymologically means 'the Lady of the Lake', 'the Guardian of the Lake', and 'the Queen of the Water'.
What does the name Nimue mean?
Nimue is a Celtic female first name, whose origins are not clarified. The name etymologically means 'the Lady of the Lake', 'the Guardian of the Lake', and 'the Queen of the Water'. Its roots likely lie in an unknown Celtic/Old Welsh word. In Breton-Welsh mythology, Nimue is a sorceress who has a significant role particularly in the Arthurian legends. Nimue is the guardian of the lake from which Arthur received the sword Excalibur, and she is considered the foster mother of Lancelot and also the teacher or lover of the wizard Merlin. Other variants of the name include Nimoe, Niniane, Niniana, Nivian, Nyneve, and Nimueh.
Where does the name Nimue come from?
The etymology of Nimue is a female first name of Celtic origin meaning 'the Lady of the Lake'. Celtic languages: English, Welsh.
How do you pronounce Nimue?
Sound & pronunciation of Nimue: The name Nimue is two syllables and strongly vowel-based. In German pronunciation, it is usually spoken as 'Ni-mue' [ˈniːmuːe], starting with a bright, elongated onset that immediately conveys lightness. The following sequence of vowels makes the sound appear soft and flowing. The ending remains open and lightly hovering, creating no hard boundary. Overall, Nimue sounds gentle, mysterious, and melodic with a calm, almost ethereal sound movement.
Popularity
Nimue is a common name in Germany. In 2022, it ranked 3,022nd in the list of the most popular female baby names. Its best ranking was in 2008 at 1,636th place. In the last ten years, Nimue has been given as a first name about 40 times, placing it at 4,479th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 4,130th.
Nicknames & pet names
Mimi / Nim / Nimi / Nimmy / Nimo / Nimu / Nimyuo / Niu
Similar first names
Nimoe
Famous people
- Felicia Nimue Ackerman (American writer)
- Nimue the Lady of the Lake (character from many Arthurian legends)
- Nimue Smit (Dutch model)
Frequently asked questions about the name Nimue
What is the origin of the name Nimue?
Nimue is a female first name of Celtic origin, whose origins are not fully clarified. It is often associated with the meaning 'the Lady of the Lake'.
What does the name Nimue mean?
The name Nimue is etymologically interpreted as 'the Guardian of the Lake' or 'the Queen of the Water' and has connections to Breton-Welsh mythology.
How popular is the name Nimue?
Nimue is a rather rare name, but it is gaining popularity due to its mythological roots and connection to classic tales, especially among parents seeking unique or historical names.