What does Maeva mean and where does it come from?
Maeva is a name with origins in both French and Polynesian cultures. In French, it means 'welcome' and is often used as a greeting. In Polynesian context, it suggests a celestial or heavenly origin. The name has gained popularity in various countries, especially in France and Tahiti. Notably, it has
Cultural significance
Maeva has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in French-speaking communities, where it reflects values of welcome.
Peak popularity
Reached #2007 in 2020 — currently #1288 in the US.
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Related Reading
French-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Maeva?
Maeva works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Maeva Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Maeva Rose
Floral · soft ending
Maeva Mae
Sweet · timeless
Maeva Claire
French influence · crisp
Maeva Jane
Literary · strong
Maeva Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Maeva right now?
Rising fast — up 318 spots — currently #1288 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1288 | 178 | ▲ up 318 · +35% births |
| 2022 | #1606 | 132 | ▲ up 455 · +42% births |
| 2021 | #2061 | 93 | ▼ down 54 · +1% births |
| 2020 | #2007 | 92 | ▲ up 1651 · +119% births |
| 2015 | #3658 | 42 | ▲ up 3016 · +121% births |
| 2010 | #6674 | 19 | ▲ up 2877 · +73% births |
| 2005 | #9551 | 11 | ▲ up 148 · +38% births |
| 1995 | #9699 | 8 | ▼ down 6963 · -27% births |
| 1940 | #2736 | 11 | — |
The story of Maeva
Maeva entered American naming records in 1940 and has been in use for over 84 years. With 680 total births recorded, Maeva remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2736 in 1940 to #1288 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Maeva in 2020:
Maeva by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 16 | |
| 1990s | 8 | |
| 2000s | 126 | |
| 2010s ★ | 438 | |
| 2020s | 92 | |
💎Maeva has only 680 total recorded births since 1940 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Maeva?
Famous people named Maeva
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Maeva (medieval French noble)
Maeva held this name in the courts of medieval France, from which it spread across Europe with the Normans.
M(
Maeva (French author)
Maeva immortalized this name in French literature, one of the world's great literary traditions.
M(
Maeva (French monarch)
Maeva bore this name in the French royal court, spreading its aristocratic prestige across Europe.
M(
Maeva (French philosopher)
Maeva carried this name in the Enlightenment tradition that shaped modern Western thought.
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Celebrity Names
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Explore →What names sound and feel like Maeva?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Maeva also consider these
How is Maeva written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Maeva
What does the name Maeva mean?
Maeva means "welcome" — a name rooted in French 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 Maeva?
Maeva is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Maeva have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Maeva?
Maeva originates from French tradition. French 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 Maeva?
Maeva is a three-syllable name pronounced M AA1 EY1 V AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Maeva?
Maeva pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar French heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.