Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Nieves

      Origin

      Spanish

      Meaning

      Snow or Snowy in English

      Variations

      Neives, Nieve, Neves
      The name Nieves is of Spanish origin, directly translating to snow or snowy in English. This name is often associated with purity, clarity, and tranquility, mirroring the qualities typically attributed to fresh snowfall. It is predominantly used as a feminine given name, though it can also appear as a surname. The name embodies a connection to nature, evoking imagery of serene winter landscapes.

      Historically, the name Nieves has roots in Catholic tradition, particularly in reverence to the Virgin of the Snow (Nuestra Señora de las Nieves), a title associated with the Virgin Mary. This title is connected to a legend from the 4th century, where snow fell on a Roman patrician's estate in August, leading to the construction of a church in her honor. Consequently, the name gained popularity in Spain and Latin American countries, reflecting both religious significance and a cultural affinity for nature.

      In contemporary society, the name Nieves is still widely used across Spanish-speaking regions, celebrating its heritage while remaining relevant. It has also found its way into popular culture, appearing in literature, music, and various media formats. While it may not be as frequently encountered as some other names, Nieves retains a distinct charm and is often appreciated for its lyrical sound and connection to nature. Overall, the name continues to resonate with individuals seeking a meaningful and idyllic moniker.

      Based on our records...

      Garcia

      Garcia

      This is the most common surname associated with Nieves.
      Juan

      Juan

      This is the most common name of those married to a Nieves.
      Maria

      Maria

      This is the most common name for a child of a Nieves.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1910 is when there were the most people born with the first name Nieves.

      Explore the origins of another name.