Maeve
Meaning: She who intoxicates; the great queen
Origin: Irish Gaelic — from Meadhbh (intoxicating, the cause of great joy), the name of the legendary Queen of Connacht
Gender: Girl
Rank in Ireland: #105
Total births: 4,395
History: Maeve is a name that captures the magical quality of Irish twilight, when the sky over Connemara turns impossible shades of pink and gold. It was given by parents who felt that their child's arrival was as beautiful and full of promise as an Irish sunset. The name carries the poetic sensibility of a people who have always found meaning in nature's everyday miracles.
Explore more at Irish Baby Names on BabyNa.me
Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Ireland’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2025) | #60 |
| Babies named Maeve in 2025 | 83 |
| Total recorded in Ireland | 4,395 |
| Peak year | 1981 (106 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #59 |
| Years in records | 1964–2025 (62 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↑ 39 spots |
Frequently asked about Maeve
What does the name Maeve mean?
Maeve means “She who intoxicates; the great queen” from Irish Gaelic — from Meadhbh (intoxicating, the cause of great joy), the name of the legendary Queen of Connacht roots.
What is the origin of the name Maeve?
Maeve has Irish Gaelic — from Meadhbh (intoxicating, the cause of great joy), the name of the legendary Queen of Connacht origin. The traditional meaning is “She who intoxicates; the great queen”.
How popular is Maeve in Ireland?
Maeve ranked #60 in Ireland in 2025 — given to 83 babies that year.
When was Maeve most popular?
Maeve peaked in 1981 with 106 babies registered that year in Ireland.
Is Maeve a boy or girl name?
Maeve is predominantly a girls' name in Ireland — over 90% of Maeves in registered births are female.
Is the name Maeve rising or falling in popularity?
Maeve has risen 39 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Ireland — from #99 in 2020 to #60 in 2025.
How long has Maeve been recorded in Ireland?
Maeve appears in birth records in Ireland across 62 years — from 1964 through 2025.