What does Maev mean and where does it come from?
Maev is an anglicized form of the Irish name 'Mhaolmhuire' and is sometimes associated with the legendary queen of Connacht, Queen Medb (or Maeve). The name is particularly popular in Ireland and is a modern variation of an ancient name. Its historical usage can be traced back to Gaelic mythology, a
Cultural significance
Maev has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of she who intoxicates or brings joy.
Peak popularity
Reached #11299 in 2019 — currently #16356 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Maev?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Maev?
Maev works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Maev Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Maev Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Maev Claire
One syllable · timeless choice
Maev Zoey
One syllable · vintage charm
Maev Jade
One syllable · vintage charm
Maev Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Maev right now?
Falling — down 6951 spots — currently #16356 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #16356 | 5 | ▼ down 6951 · -55% births |
| 2022 | #9405 | 11 | ▲ up 7350 · +120% births |
| 2021 | #16755 | 5 | — |
The story of Maev
Maev is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2019. With 9 total births recorded, Maev remains relatively uncommon.
Names that peaked alongside Maev in 2019:
💎Maev has only 9 total recorded births since 2019 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Maev?
What names sound and feel like Maev?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Maev also consider these
Common questions about the name Maev
What does the name Maev mean?
Maev means "she who intoxicates or brings joy" — 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 Maev?
Maev is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Maev have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Maev?
Maev 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 do you pronounce the name Maev?
Maev is a two-syllable name pronounced MAH-EV. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Maev trending right now?
Maev is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.