Niven

The name Niven has two primary etymological roots, both from Gaelic. One derivation is from the Scottish Gaelic 'Naomhán', a diminutive of 'naomh' meaning 'saint'. This gives the meaning 'little saint'. The other prominent origin is from the Irish Gaelic 'Cnámhín', a diminutive of 'cnámh' meaning 'bone', leading to the meaning 'little bone'. While seemingly disparate, both forms have contributed to the modern name Niven. It has historically been used as both a given name and a surname, particularly in Scotland and Ireland.

Over time, the surname Niven became more common, and its use as a given name has been less frequent. However, it has seen occasional use as a first name, often chosen for its distinctive sound and its connection to Scottish and Irish heritage. The 'little saint' meaning often appeals to those seeking a name with a spiritual or virtuous connotation, while 'little bone' is a more literal, perhaps less commonly emphasized, interpretation.