Here’s everything about Maeve name meaning and origin to better understand this Irish name. Maeve has long been a popular name in Ireland, whose meanings still resonate with modern trends.
However, the name might be less frequently heard of in the US (perhaps it still needs some more famous namesakes to put it further in the spotlight). Maeve doesn’t come only with beautiful meanings; it also has intriguing stories that you might want to check out!
An Overview Of The Name Maeve
Before going into detail, you can take a closer look at the basic information about the name Maeve to grasp all the basic facts about it. Here’s the summary you’ll need!
Meaning | “She who intoxicates”, “she who rules”, and “intoxicating”. |
Origin | Irish |
Pronunciation | /meɪv/ |
Gender | Dating back to medieval times, Maeve is traditionally a female name. |
Popularity | In the US, this Irish name ranked 124th in 2022 on the baby name chart. Once a fairly neglected name, Maeve has become fairly common these days. |
Variations | Mayve, Maive, Mave, Mava, Maev, Maiv, Meabh, Maiv, Maiven, Mayvie, Maeva, Majvie, etc. |
Nicknames | Eve, Evie, Mae, May, Vi, Vivi, Mayo, Maeby, Mae-Mae, Mavie, Vee, Maevey, etc. |
Similar Names | Eve, Mabel, Mae, Maisy, Mazie, etc. |
Sibling Names | For Boys: Elliot, Miles, Riley, Rowan, Tristan, etc. For Girls: Iris, Marie, Nora, Sloane, Virginia, etc. |
Middle Names | Eloise, Kayleigh, Renee, Sabrina, Sage, etc. |
A Breakdown Into The Origin, History, And Meanings Of Maeve
Maeve is a name stepping out of Irish mythology. It’s a derivation of the Old Irish name “Medb” and translates to “she who rules”, “the intoxicating one”, “intoxicating”, and “she who intoxicates”.
There is also another potential etymology of this name. Some believe Maeve emerges from the Proto-Celtic root “medu”, pointing to an ancient alcoholic beverage called “mead” (1). Therefore, “intoxicating” can be an acceptable way to interpret Maeve.
The name Maeve, first and foremost, is closely attached to Queen Maeve (or Medb) of Connacht, also known as the Warrior Queen. Her legend first appeared around medieval times in Ireland.
Irish mythology depicts this queen as a powerful, decisive, and ambitious leader who managed to steal the prize bull of Ulster in the Cattle Raid of Cooley. “Intoxicating” is also the proper description of this beautiful and seductive ancient queen.
What Gender Is The Name Maeve?
As sweet and elegant as it sounds, Maeve is a name meant for baby girls. Its most iconic bearer, Queen Maeve of Connacht, also gives this name an edgy touch and an intriguing backstory to tell.
Maeve rarely serves as a boy name; at least, that’s what the SSA records show. The name hasn’t been on the name chart in any given year starting from 1900 with this role.
The Popularity Of Maeve Over The Years
Maeve is a long-time favorite in its homeland Ireland, where it secured a spot in the top 100 choices in 2020. The name also gained success in neighboring Scotland, Wales, and England, among the top 100 in these areas.
This ancient name, however, took quite a long time to reach the other side of Atlantics. It was not until 1997 did this girl name have a spot on the Social Security Association chart (but still humbly at 955th).
Since then, Maeve has grown in popularity, slowly but surely. In 2013, Maeve was in the top 500 most-used names. In 2021, the Irish girl name was more trendy than ever before, reaching its highest ranking at 124th (2).
Other Spelling Versions Of This Irish Name
Maeve has been fairly fashionable in Ireland since the Middle Ages. Its popularity, however, also reaches other English-speaking countries. With time, this amiable Irish name has embraced many spelling variants, including:
Catchy Nicknames And Similar Names To Maeve
Short and sweet on its own, Maeve doesn’t ask for any nickname. But if you’re searching for one, you have plenty of options to consider!
Many M-starting names carry a similar vibe or sound to Maeve. Just in case you’re still looking for a perfect choice, take a look at the names below!
Here Are The Best Sibling Names For Maeve
Naming a child after Maeve can be a different experience. Your roster might have plenty of choices you love, but you will want a name that doesn’t only sound great standing alone but also when paired with Maeve.
For Sons
The masculine names will work best for Maeve’s brothers. You only have to pin down the perfect match in your mind.
For Daughters
When naming a sister of Maeve, you don’t want a name that clashes or sounds overly matchy to the Irish name. There’s no need to look elsewhere for inspiration, as these monikers will pair well with Maeve!
Roman tales have it that Virginia was a beautiful woman killed by her father to protect her from Appius Claudius, an event that eventually led to the formation of the Roman Republic. Today, the name commonly goes with the meanings of “virgin”, “pure”, and “maid”.
Middle Names To Accompany The Name Maeve
If you’re wondering what to give as a middle name for Maeve, here are some nice suggestions to keep in mind. This short and sweet Irish name is compatible with several other names; you can go for a one-, two-, or even multi-syllable middle name as you see fit!
It also means “healthy”, and sage leaves were once believed to bring a long healthy life by early Arab physicians.
Some Famous Namesakes Of Maeve
This Irish name is shared by many famous women inside and outside Ireland. Below are just a few examples.
The Popularity Of Maeve In Pop Culture
Inspired by the Irish mythological persona, Queen of Connacht, many fictional characters with this name are also associated with magical power. Here are some examples!
FAQs
Do you find the name Maeve fascinating? If the answer is yes, here are some related facts about it to help you make a better choice!
Maeve Has The Old Charm That You Might Love!
While Maeve sounds delicate and feminine, the name comes with empowering meanings and namesakes. It’s a wonderful choice for American parents with Irish heritage. Otherwise, if you’re after an antique name, Maeve deserves a spot on your list.
So, what do you think about this Irish name? Drop your thoughts in the comment section below. If you’re still finding the best Irish name, like Maeve, don’t forget to check out other name analyses. Before leaving, please share this post with more soon-to-be parents. Thank you!
References
- britannica.com. 2024. mead, alcoholic beverage
- ssa.gov. 2024. The Popularity Of A Name
- wikipedia.org. 2024. Seven Sages of Greece
Helen Doanna
Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator
Expertise
Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher
Education
1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US
Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.