Maeve
Maeve is a girls' name of Irish origin meaning “she who intoxicates.” It ranked #76 in the United States in 2025. Maeve derives from the Old Irish 'Medb,' a powerful warrior queen of Connacht in Irish mythology.
Torn between Maeve and another name? Ask family and friends to vote
how do you pronounce Maeve?
MAYV
where does the name Maeve come from?
An anglicised form of the Irish Medb, generally derived from a root meaning intoxicating or she who intoxicates — related to the word behind mead. The sense is closer to one who makes drunk than to one who is drunk.
Its meteoric rise — from outside the top 500 in 2010 to the top 50 — reflects the trend toward short, strong Celtic names.
the history of Maeve
Medb is the queen of Connacht in the Táin Bó Cúailnge, who launches a war over a bull and drives the plot of the greatest surviving Irish epic. She is a formidable rather than decorative figure, and the connection between her name and intoxication is often read as pointing to a ritual of sovereignty. The name has risen sharply in Ireland and America since 2000.
how popular is this name?
Maeve has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 29 years since 1997. It peaked at #73 in 2023, and ranked #76 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #76 |
| 2024 | #75 |
| 2023 | #73 |
| 2022 | #103 |
| 2021 | #124 |
| 2020 | #174 |
| 2019 | #244 |
| 2018 | #334 |
| 2017 | #360 |
| 2016 | #406 |
| 2010 | #536 |
| 2000 | #774 |
| 1997 | #953 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Maeve fell outside the top 1,000.
who are famous people named Maeve?
- Queen Medb (Irish mythological queen)
- Maeve Binchy (Irish novelist)
- Maeve Millay (Westworld character)
what are the nicknames and variants of Maeve?
Nicknames
Variants around the world
what names are similar to Maeve?
what names go well with Maeve?
Sibling names that share Maeve's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Maeve
What does the name Maeve mean?
Maeve means “she who intoxicates”.
What is the origin of the name Maeve?
Maeve comes from the Irish naming tradition. Related forms include Medb, Meabh and Maive.
How popular is the name Maeve?
Maeve ranked #76 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 2023, at #73, and it has spent 29 years in the top 1,000 since 1997.
Is Maeve a boy or girl name?
Maeve is primarily a girls' name.
How do you pronounce Maeve?
Maeve is pronounced MAYV, with 1 syllable.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
love Maeve? get 10 more names curated for your family.
Popularity rankings and meanings are just the starting point. Our AI consultant finds names that match your heritage, style, and what matters most to you.
Completely free. No credit card required.
Start your free session