Maeve: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced MAYV · 1 syllable
Maeve means “she who intoxicates; a legendary Irish queen”, from Irish.
Anglicized from Irish Meabh, from Middle Irish Medb (literally “intoxicating”), name of a legendary queen of Connacht.
- Meaning
- she who intoxicates; a legendary Irish queen
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- MAYV
- US rank (2025)
- #76
- US babies a year
- about 2,850 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 2020
- Style
- Rising, Mythic
How popular is Maeve?
Maeve was the #76 name in the US in 2025, given to 3,153 babies. It’s rising: up 369% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2020.
Most popular in New Hampshire (#4), Rhode Island (#10).
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #76 |
| England & Wales | #94 |
| Scotland | #86 |
| Northern Ireland | #158 |
| Ireland | #60 |
| France | #601 |
| Canada | #54 |
| Australia | #35 |
How old are people named Maeve?
Half of US adults named Maeve are older than 24; most are between 18 and 45. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Names like Maeve
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Maeve
What does the name Maeve mean?
Maeve means “she who intoxicates; a legendary Irish queen”. It comes from Irish.
How do you pronounce Maeve?
Maeve is pronounced MAYV.
How popular is the name Maeve?
Maeve was the #76 name in the US in 2025, given to 3,153 babies. It’s rising: up 369% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2020.
How old are people named Maeve?
Half of US adults named Maeve are older than 24. Most are between 18 and 45.