What does Maebh mean and where does it come from?
Maebh (Irish: Méabh) is a traditional Irish name, steeped in mythology. In legend, Queen Maebh was a warrior queen of Connacht whose story appears in the Táin Bó Cúailnge. The name's meanings depict strength and power, making it a popular choice among Irish families, particularly those wishing to ho
Cultural significance
Maebh has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of she who rules; a goddess.
Peak popularity
Reached #12636 in 2016 — currently #14634 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Maebh?
Maebh works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Maebh Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Maebh Rose
Floral · soft ending
Maebh Mae
Sweet · timeless
Maebh Claire
French influence · crisp
Maebh Jane
Literary · strong
Maebh Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Maebh right now?
Falling — down 63 spots — currently #14634 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2022 | #14634 | 6 | ▼ down 63 |
| 2021 | #14571 | 6 | ▲ up 1954 · +20% births |
| 2020 | #16525 | 5 | ▼ down 2382 · -29% births |
| 2015 | #14143 | 7 | ▲ up 2569 · +17% births |
| 2010 | #16712 | 6 | — |
The story of Maebh
Maebh is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2008. With 66 total births recorded, Maebh remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #16712 in 2010 to #14634 in 2022.
Names that peaked alongside Maebh in 2016:
Maebh by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 2000s | 5 | |
| 2010s ★ | 56 | |
| 2020s | 5 | |
💎Maebh has only 66 total recorded births since 2008 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Maebh?
What names sound and feel like Maebh?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Maebh also consider these
Common questions about the name Maebh
What does the name Maebh mean?
Maebh means "she who rules; a goddess" — a name rooted in Ireland 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 Maebh?
Maebh is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Maebh have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Maebh?
Maebh originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How does Maebh sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Maebh flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Maebh ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Is Maebh trending right now?
Maebh is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.