What does Maeve mean and where does it come from?
Maeve is derived from the Irish name 'Medb', the name of the legendary warrior queen of Connacht in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. She is portrayed as a powerful and independent woman. The name has gained popularity outside of Ireland in recent years, particularly in the English-speaking world
Cultural significance
Maeve has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of intoxicating..
Peak popularity
Reached #173 in 2020 — currently #73 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Maeve?
Maeve works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Maeve Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Maeve Rose
Floral · soft ending
Maeve Mae
Sweet · timeless
Maeve Claire
French influence · crisp
Maeve Jane
Literary · strong
Maeve Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Maeve right now?
Rising — up 30 spots — currently #73 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #73 | 3,057 | ▲ up 30 · +14% births |
| 2022 | #103 | 2,676 | ▲ up 21 · +19% births |
| 2021 | #124 | 2,253 | ▲ up 49 · +38% births |
| 2020 | #173 | 1,637 | ▲ up 278 · +133% births |
| 2015 | #451 | 702 | ▲ up 85 · +29% births |
| 2010 | #536 | 546 | ▲ up 158 · +37% births |
| 2005 | #694 | 398 | ▲ up 82 · +35% births |
| 2000 | #776 | 295 | ▲ up 489 · +122% births |
| 1995 | #1265 | 133 | ▲ up 1276 · +183% births |
| 1990 | #2541 | 47 | ▲ up 346 · +47% births |
| 1985 | #2887 | 32 | ▲ up 2443 · +146% births |
| 1980 | #5330 | 13 | ▲ up 2069 · +86% births |
| 1975 | #7399 | 7 | ▼ down 3324 · -36% births |
| 1965 | #4075 | 11 | ▼ down 777 · -27% births |
| 1960 | #3298 | 15 | — |
The story of Maeve
Maeve entered American naming records in 1940 and has been in use for over 84 years. A total of 15,337 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3500 in 1940 to #73 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Maeve in 2020:
Maeve by decade
Maeve peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 50 | |
| 1950s | 74 | |
| 1960s | 102 | |
| 1970s | 88 | |
| 1980s | 331 | |
| 1990s | 1,449 | |
| 2000s | 4,072 | |
| 2010s ★ | 7,534 | |
| 2020s | 1,637 | |
What are good nicknames for Maeve?
What names sound and feel like Maeve?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Maeve also consider these
How is Maeve written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Maeve
What does the name Maeve mean?
Maeve means "Intoxicating." — 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 Maeve?
Maeve is currently ranked #73 in the United States as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Maeve have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Maeve?
Maeve 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 Maeve?
Maeve is a two-syllable name pronounced M AH0 EH1 V. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Maeve trending right now?
Maeve is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.