Maeve

♀ Girl

Pronounced MAYV /meɪv/High

Meaning: She who intoxicates; intoxicating one — from Old Irish MedbHigh

In 30 seconds: A powerful Old Irish name meaning 'she who intoxicates,' borne by the legendary warrior Queen Medb of Connacht. Its brevity and mythological force have fueled a 21st-century surge.

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Origin HighIrish Gaelic

MeaningShe who intoxicates; intoxicating one — from Old Irish Medb

Peak year2017

Total births (all-time)≈ 11,423

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Maeve is the anglicized form of the Old Irish Medb, meaning 'intoxicating' or 'she who intoxicates.' Queen Medb was one of the most powerful figures in Irish mythology, a warrior queen and goddess figure.

Long used in Ireland, Maeve spread to the broader English-speaking world in the 20th and 21st centuries, rapidly climbing U.S. charts as parents sought short, distinctive names with mythological depth.

Did you know? Queen Medb of Connacht is the central antagonist of Táin Bó Cúailnge (The Cattle Raid of Cooley), the great Irish epic roughly equivalent to the Iliad.

Variations

MedbMaebhMeadhbh

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Medb (Queen of Connacht) (mythological)
Legendary warrior queen of Connacht in Irish mythology, central figure in the epic Táin Bó Cúailnge.

Frequently Asked

What does the name Maeve mean?

Maeve comes from the Old Irish Medb, meaning 'intoxicating' or 'she who intoxicates,' a name connected to an ancient goddess and warrior queen.

How do you pronounce Maeve?

It is said MAYV /meɪv/ — one syllable.

Is Maeve a boy or girl name?

Maeve is used exclusively as a girl's name.

How popular is Maeve?

Maeve has been one of the fastest-climbing names in the U.S., entering the top 100 girls' names in recent years.