Maeve Name Meaning

The name Maeve is said to mean “she who intoxicates” or “she who causes great joy.” This is a fitting name for a baby girl, as she is sure to bring joy and happiness to her parents and those around her.

History of the Name Maeve

Maeve is an ancient Irish name, derived from the Gaelic word “medb” which means “intoxicating” or “she who causes great joy.” In Irish mythology, Maeve was the Queen of Connacht and a fierce warrior queen. She was known for her beauty, intelligence, and courage, and was said to have had many lovers and children.

Origins of the Name Maeve

The name Maeve is most commonly found in Ireland and Scotland, but has spread to other parts of the world in recent years. It was borne by many historical figures, including a queen of the legendary Irish province of Connacht, and a queen of Munster. The name was also used by James Joyce in his novel “Finnegans Wake” and by W.B. Yeats in his poem “The Collar-Bone of Connacht.”

Popularity of the Name Maeve

While the name Maeve was not particularly popular in the United States until recently, it has been steadily gaining popularity in recent years. In 2019, Maeve was the 735th most popular name for girls in the United States, and it’s popularity is continuously growing. The name has also been popular in Ireland and Scotland for centuries.

Final Thoughts on the Name Maeve

In conclusion, Maeve is a beautiful, ancient Irish name with a rich history and a charming meaning. It’s gaining popularity in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. With its unique sound and intoxicating meaning, it’s a name that is sure to make your little girl stand out. So, if you’re expecting a girl and looking for a name that is both meaningful and charming, consider Maeve.

Infographic of Maeve name meaning, which is Derived from Medb, Maeve is an Irish name meaning intoxicating.
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Maeve Name Popularity

How popular is the name Maeve? Here’s everything we know.

Year Rank # Births % Births
1910 0 0%
1911 0 0%
1912 0 0%
1913 0 0%
1914 0 0%
1915 0 0%
1916 0 0%
1917 0 0%
1918 0 0%
1919 0 0%
1920 0 0%
1921 0 0%
1922 0 0%
1923 0 0%
1924 0 0%
1925 0 0%
1926 0 0%
1927 0 0%
1928 0 0%
1929 0 0%
1930 0 0%
1931 0 0%
1932 0 0%
1933 0 0%
1934 0 0%
1935 0 0%
1936 0 0%
1937 0 0%
1938 0 0%
1939 0 0%
1940 0 0%
1941 0 0%
1942 0 0%
1943 0 0%
1944 0 0%
1945 0 0%
1946 0 0%
1947 0 0%
1948 0 0%
1949 0 0%
1950 0 0%
1951 0 0%
1952 0 0%
1953 0 0%
1954 2,070 5 0.0003%
1955 0 0%
1956 0 0%
1957 0 0%
1958 0 0%
1959 0 0%
1960 1,952 7 0.0004%
1961 2,229 5 0.0003%
1962 0 0%
1963 2,068 6 0.0003%
1964 0 0%
1965 2,404 5 0.0003%
1966 0 0%
1967 0 0%
1968 0 0%
1969 0 0%
1970 0 0%
1971 0 0%
1972 0 0%
1973 0 0%
1974 0 0%
1975 0 0%
1976 0 0%
1977 0 0%
1978 0 0%
1979 0 0%
1980 0 0%
1981 3,024 5 0.0003%
1982 2,759 6 0.0004%
1983 3,037 5 0.0003%
1984 2,907 6 0.0004%
1985 0 0%
1986 2,256 13 0.0009%
1987 3,160 5 0.0003%
1988 1,904 24 0.0015%
1989 2,112 22 0.0014%
1990 2,399 17 0.001%
1991 1,817 35 0.0021%
1992 1,559 53 0.0033%
1993 1,538 54 0.0035%
1994 1,404 67 0.0044%
1995 1,155 100 0.0066%
1996 1,133 108 0.0072%
1997 894 175 0.0118%
1998 867 193 0.0129%
1999 647 312 0.0208%
2000 785 242 0.0158%
2001 734 283 0.0188%
2002 717 294 0.0196%
2003 673 343 0.0225%
2004 710 329 0.0216%
2005 705 341 0.0223%
2006 631 412 0.0263%
2007 613 443 0.0281%
2008 624 449 0.0291%
2009 583 469 0.0314%
2010 532 501 0.0348%
2011 588 441 0.031%
2012 514 536 0.0376%
2013 479 584 0.041%
2014 473 617 0.0423%
2015 435 673 0.0463%
2016 396 778 0.054%
2017 353 825 0.0591%
2018 325 937 0.0682%
2019 238 1,267 0.0936%
2020 175 1,568 0.1232%
2021 127 2,061 0.1686%
2022 103 2,653 0.2011%

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Data via SSA.gov.


Names Like Maeve

If you like Maeve, you’ll love these other names like Maeve.


What names sound like Maeve?

If you like how Maeve sounds, you might also like these names that sound like Maeve.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Mauve

Mallow plant

French

Mave

Joy, hilarity; baby

Welsh


What names are similar to Maeve?

Find a name that’s like Maeve, but just a little bit different.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Macee

Weapon

French

Macie

Weapon

French

Madge

“A pearl.” A diminutive form of Margaret.

Greek

Mae

The fifth month

English

Maeja
Maeko

Truth child

Japanese

Maelee

The fifth month

English

Maelle

Ambitious

Latin

Maemi

Smile of truth

Japanese

Maery
Maime
Maire

Star of the sea

Latin

Malva

Slender, delicate

Greek

Malvie

Smooth brow

English

Mame

Star of the sea

Latin

Mamie

A variant form of Mary.

Latin

Mare

Irish

Maree

Star of the sea

Latin

Marie

A French form of Mary.

French

Marva

Lady; mistress of the house; renowned friend

English

Marve

Wonderful, extraordinary

Latin

Maude

Woman from Magdala; mighty in battle

Hebrew

Maure

Star of the sea

Latin

Maye

The fifth month

English

Mayme

Star of the sea

Latin

Mazie

English

Meave

Joy, hilarity; baby

Welsh

Neve

Snow

Latin


Lists With Maeve

Find inspiration in these baby girl name lists featuring the name Maeve.


Siblings of Maeve

Mamas with kids named Maeve also have kids with these names.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Wendell

Wanderer

German

6 Comments

  1. When my husband and I heard it for the first time, we both decided we wanted that as our first baby girl’s name.

  2. I love that the name means “she who intoxicates or she who causes great joy”. I also love that Maeve was a strong, independent Irish warrior queen. What a regal, honorable and powerful name for a little girl!

  3. I love it because It’s unique.

  4. Excited to be in this space!

  5. The name sounds feminine and adventurous to us.
    Many people aren’t quite sure how to pronounce it at first.

  6. I met a friend of a friend years ago whose name was Maeve, and I loved it so much that I tucked it away in the back of my mind for my future daughter. It was just such a unique name, simple yet strong. I work at a children’s hospital and feel like I have come across every name under the sun – but not Maeve! When I got pregnant and found out it was a girl, we knew immediately she would be Maeve Rose. Our decision was even further affirmed when we looked up the meaning of Maeve…which is “warrior queen”. How powerful for our girl, and she has certainly lived up to it!


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