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girl name · Irish origin

Maeve

/ MAYV /
Girl Irish 1 syllable
Meaning
Maeve means She who rules (Irish).
Gender
Girl
Origin
Irish
Pronunciation
MAYV
Popularity
#76 · U.S. girls (2025)
Popularity of Maeve in the US, 1880–2025
19401960198020002020

Maeve first appears in US records in 1940. It peaked in 2025, when 3,153 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 3,153.

Source: US Social Security Administration.

Is Maeve popular?

Near its peak Maeve is more popular now than at almost any point on record, peaking in 2025.

US babies given the name Maeve, by decade
2020s 15,893
2010s 7,545
2000s 4,072
1990s 1,450
1980s 333
1970s 89
1960s 102
1950s 74
1940s 50

Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.

What does Maeve mean?

Maeve anglicises the Irish Medb, usually interpreted as “she who rules” or “intoxicating.” Queen Medb is a central figure in Irish mythology.

Variants & spellings

  • Medb
  • Mave
  • Mave

Names like Maeve

Irish names with a similar feel and popularity.

See all names like Maeve →

Names that pair well with Maeve

Popular Irish names for a sibling or a middle name.

Compare Maeve

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Maeve mean?

Maeve means She who rules. Maeve anglicises the Irish Medb, usually interpreted as “she who rules” or “intoxicating.” Queen Medb is a central figure in Irish mythology.

What is the origin of the name Maeve?

Maeve is of Irish origin.

How do you pronounce Maeve?

Maeve is pronounced “MAYV.”

Is Maeve a boy or a girl name?

Maeve is most commonly used as a girl name.

Is Maeve a popular name right now?

Maeve is more popular now than at almost any point on record, peaking in 2025.

How popular is the name Maeve?

In 2025, Maeve ranked #76 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.

When was the name Maeve most popular?

Maeve was most popular in 2025, when about 3,153 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.

What names are similar to Maeve?

Names similar to Maeve include Nora, Saoirse, Aoife, Bridget.

What names go well with Maeve?

Irish names that pair well with Maeve include Ryan, Liam, Aiden, Sean, Aidan.