Caoimh

Caoimh is an Irish given name rooted in Gaelic language and tradition. It is derived from the Old Irish root caomh-, meaning gentle, kind, or noble. This semantic element is common across Gaelic names and reflects a family of forms built from the same root.

Related names and forms include Caoimhín, Caomhán, and the feminine Caoimhe. Caoimhín is the Gaelic form of Kevin, and Caoimhín’s use is historically prominent in Irish Christianity through Saint Caoimhín (St. Kevin). Caomhán is another masculine form, while Caoimhe is widely used today for females and also derives from the same caomh- root, emphasizing the common meaning of virtue and goodness.

In contemporary usage, Caoimh as a stand-alone given name is relatively uncommon in Ireland. The name more often appears as part of longer Gaelic forms such as Caoimhín or Caomhán, or as a root in other names within Gaelic-speaking communities. When encountered outside of Ireland, the spelling and recognition of Caoimh may vary, reflecting broader patterns of Anglicization and transliteration of Gaelic names.

Phonetic guidance varies with dialect and orthography, as with many Gaelic names. The identity of Caoimh is closely linked to its semantic cousins in the Gaelic naming tradition, sharing the prevailing themes of gentleness, kindness, and nobility that characterize caomh- names throughout Irish onomastics. The name’s cultural significance is primarily linguistic and historical, rather than tied to a single widely known contemporary figure.

See also: Caoimhe, Caoimhín, Caomhán, Kevin.