Maeve
Gender: Girl
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
Popularity: Ranked #76 in 2025 with 3,153 babies born.
History: Maeve is one of the great names of Irish mythology. Queen Medb of Connacht was one of the most powerful figures in the Ulster Cycle — a fierce, independent ruler who launched a great cattle war to equal her husband's wealth. The name carries the wild, ancient spirit of pre-Christian Ireland. It was rarely used outside Ireland until the late 20th century, then began its international ascent in the 2000s. It entered the U.S. top 100 in the 2010s and continues climbing, beloved for its mythology, its single striking syllable, and its unapologetically Irish soul.
Famous people named Maeve: Maeve Wiley (Sex Education), Queen Maeve (Irish mythology), Maeve Binchy (author)
Name length: 5 letters
How common is Maeve? About 1 in 1,056 babies born in 2025 were named Maeve, or roughly 8.6 per day in the United States.
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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?
Maeve ranked #76 in 2025 — given to 3,153 babies that year.
When was Maeve most popular?
Maeve peaked in 2025 with 3,153 babies registered that year.
Is Maeve a boy or girl name?
Maeve is predominantly a girls' name — over 90% of Maeves in registered births are female.
Is the name Maeve rising or falling in popularity?
Maeve has risen 98 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #174 in 2020 to #76 in 2025.
How long has Maeve been recorded?
Maeve appears in birth records across 81 years — from 1940 through 2025.