Originating from Irish mythology, Maeve means “she who intoxicates” or “she who rules.” It is a moniker steeped in legends of warrior queens and sovereignty. Verdict: Maeve is an exceptional choice for a baby born in 2025. It hits the rare “Goldilocks” zone of baby names: familiar enough to be easily pronounced, yet distinctive enough to stand out in a classroom.
Maeve Overview
- Meaning: Maeve means “she who intoxicates” or “she who rules” in Old Irish.
- Gender: Maeve is a traditionally feminine name that is also accepted as unisex.
- Origin: Maeve originates from Medb, a mythological Irish queen/goddess. The name is also rooted from the Proto Celtic root “medu-,” meaning “mead.” In Medieval Irish inaugurations, the “mead woman” was revered for bringing joy and intoxication.
- Pronunciation: Maeve is pronounced, “MAYV.”
- Popularity: The name Maeve is very popular in the UK, especially Ireland. Maeve only recently became popular in the United States.
- Nicknames: Mae, May, Maevey, Vi, Eve, Mayo, Maeby, Mae-Mae
- Variations: Maev, Maiv, Mave, Meabh, Mavie, Maiev, Mayve, Maeva, Maiev, Mava.
- Namesakes: Maeve Kennedy McKean, Maeve Binchy, Maeve Wiley, Maeve Sherlock, Maeve Tomalty, Maeve Hillery.
What Does Maeve Mean?
At first glance, the meaning of Maeve, “she who intoxicates”, might seem unusual for a baby name. However, looking deeper into the etymology reveals a definition rooted in power rather than substances.
The definition refers to an “intoxicating presence” or great charisma. It is closely linked to the Old Irish word for “mead” (a honey wine). In ancient tradition, the giving of mead was a symbolic act of sovereignty; therefore, the name implies “she who rules.” It suggests a woman of such vital force and command that she influences everyone around her. It is also interpreted as “the cause of great joy.”
Where Does the Name Maeve Come From?
Maeve is the Anglicized version of the Old Irish name Medb. Its history is legendary, quite literally.
The primary figure associated with the name is Queen Medb of Connacht, a central character in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. She was a warrior queen, famous for starting the “Cattle Raid of Cooley” to prove she was equal in wealth and power to her husband. She is a figure of immense strength, independence, and determination.
Linguistically, the name evolved from the Proto-Celtic root “medu-” (mead) to the Middle Irish Meḋḃ, and eventually to the modern spelling we recognize today. While it has been a staple in Ireland for centuries, it did not gain significant traction in the United States until the early 21st century (1).
How Popular is the Name Maeve?
Maeve is currently a “rising star” in the American naming landscape. For decades, it was virtually unheard of in the United States, considered too difficult to spell or too culturally specific. However, that has changed dramatically.
While it has been a Top 100 staple in Ireland and the UK for a long time, it is currently skyrocketing in the US. It broke into the top 500 in 2015 and has been climbing aggressively ever since. It is no longer a rare gem but rather a modern favorite. It fits perfectly with the current trend of short, one-syllable names that pack a punch, similar to Sloane or Quinn.
In 2020, Maeve entered the Social Security Administration’s Top 200 ranking at 173 (2), and its trajectory suggests it may crack the Top 100 soon.
How Do I Pronounce Maeve?
The beauty of the Anglicized spelling is its simplicity. Maeve is pronounced MAYV. It rhymes with “brave,” “wave,” and “save.”
It is a one-syllable name, making it crisp and easy to say. While the traditional Irish spelling (Meadhbh) confuses non-Irish speakers, the spelling “Maeve” rarely causes pronunciation issues in English-speaking countries.
Is Maeve a Boy or Girl Name?
Maeve is a strictly feminine name by tradition. Given its origins as the name of a Queen and a Goddess, it is historically tied to women.
However, modern naming trends are increasingly fluid. While there is no significant data showing Maeve being used for boys, its simple, strong sound (similar to names like Dave or Tate) theoretically allows for unisex usage. Currently, it is overwhelmingly chosen for girls and non-binary children.
Variations of Maeve
While “Maeve” is the standard English spelling, the name travels the world in various forms.
- Meadhbh (Original Irish)
- Meabh (Modern Irish)
- Maeva (French, Polynesian/Tahitian) – Note: In Tahitian, this means “welcome.”
- Mave (English phonetic)
- Maiv (English)
- Mavi (Turkish) – Note: distinct origin, means “blue,” but sounds similar.
Nicknames for Maeve
One-syllable names are notoriously hard to shorten, but they are easy to elaborate on. Here are standard and creative nicknames for Maeve:
- Mae / May: The most intuitive short form.
- Eve / Evie: pulls from the ending sound.
- Vee: A snappy, modern option.
- Mavis: A vintage elaboration.
- Mavy / Maevey: A cute, affectionate diminutive for babies.
- Queen: A playful nod to the name’s origin.
Names Similar to Maeve
If you love the vibe of Maeve, strong, short, and Irish, but aren’t sure it is “the one,” consider these alternatives:
- Avery: Shares the “v” sound but feels more modern and unisex.
- Freya: Like Maeve, this is a powerful name derived from mythology (Norse).
- Sloane: Another strong, one-syllable favorite.
- Ivy: Short, botanical, and vintage.
- Niamh (Neve): Another Irish classic meaning “bright.”
- Wren: A nature name that shares Maeve’s brevity.
- June: A classic one-syllable vintage name.
- Blair: Scottish origin with a similar “cool girl” factor.
Middle Names for Maeve
Because Maeve is a single syllable, it pairs beautifully with longer, multi-syllable middle names to create a balanced rhythm.
Classic & Elegant
Nature & Boho
Short & Punchy
Sibling Names for Maeve
Creating a sib-set requires matching the style and era. Maeve works best with other vintage, Irish, or grounded names.
For a Brother
- Declan: A popular Irish saint’s name that matches Maeve’s heritage.
- Finn: Short, energetic, and legendary.
- Jude: Gentle but strong.
- Silas: A vintage name with a soft sound.
- Rowan: A nature-inspired unisex name.
For a Sister
- Nora: Another Anglicized Irish favorite that is light and classic.
- Clara: Vintage, clear, and feminine.
- Eloise: Adds a bit of French flair to the set.
- Hazel: An earthy, vintage choice.
- Iris: A flower name with strength, just like Maeve.
Famous People Named Maeve
- Maeve Binchy: A beloved Irish novelist known for her warm, storytelling style in books like Circle of Friends.
- Maeve Kennedy McKean: A human rights attorney and public health official; a member of the prominent Kennedy family.
- Maeve Higgins: A sharp-witted Irish comedian, podcaster, and writer based in New York.
- Maeve Kinkead: An American actress best known for her long-running role on the soap opera Guiding Light.
- Maeve Dermody: An Australian actress known for her roles in thrillers and dramas.
Maeve in Pop Culture
Pop culture has been a massive driver for this name’s recent success.
- Maeve Wiley: The brilliant, guarded, and complex protagonist of the Netflix hit Sex Education. This character introduced the name to a Gen Z audience.
- Maeve Millay: A sentient host in HBO’s Westworld. Her character arc is one of gaining sentience and immense power.
- Queen Maeve: A superhero character in the Amazon series The Boys, portrayed as a warrior figure.
- Queen Maeve (Fae): A powerful antagonist in Sarah J. Maas’s bestselling Throne of Glass book series.
FAQs About the Name Maeve
Is Maeve a Royal Name?
Yes, Maeve is a royal name. It originally belonged to Queen Medb of Connacht, a legendary sovereign in Irish mythology. Because of this history, the name is often associated with leadership, power, and royalty in Irish culture.
Is Maeve a Girl’s Name?
Maeve is a traditionally feminine name. While modern naming trends allow for flexibility, Maeve has almost exclusively been used for girls throughout history and in current data.
Is Maeve Becoming a Popular Name?
Yes, Maeve is rising rapidly. In the 1990s, it was rare in the US. By 2020, it had surged into the Top 200. It is a stylish choice that is becoming a new classic, following the path of names like Liam or Declan.
Is Maeve Biblical?
No, Maeve is not a Biblical name. It is of Celtic/Pagan origin, rooted in Irish mythology and pre-Christian legends. It does not appear in the Old or New Testament.
Does Maeve Have a Spiritual Meaning?
While not religious in the Judeo-Christian sense, Maeve has a spiritual connection to the earth and sovereignty. As a name linked to a “Sovereignty Goddess,” it represents the land of Ireland itself and the divine feminine power required to rule it.
Why is the Spelling Meadhbh Different?
The spelling Meadhbh is the traditional Modern Irish spelling. In the Irish language, the combination “dh” and “bh” creates a “v” sound. The spelling “Maeve” is the Anglicized form created to help English speakers pronounce the name correctly.
Is Maeve Hard to Spell for Kids?
Maeve is relatively easy for a child to learn. It is only five letters and contains familiar vowels. The silent “e” at the end is a common rule in English grammar (like “gave” or “save”), making it intuitive for early readers.
What is the Male Version of Maeve?
There is no direct male equivalent to Maeve. However, if you are looking for an Irish boy’s name with a similar meaning (related to intoxication or ruling), you might consider Meadhran (merry) or Conn (chief/wise).
