| Keira | Maeve | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | dark, black-haired | She who rules |
| Origin | irish | Irish |
| Gender | Girl | Girl |
| Pronunciation | KEER-ah | MAYV |
| Syllables | 2 | 1 |
| First appeared | 0 | 1940 |
| Peak year | 2006 (3,022) | 2025 (3,153) |
| In 2025 | 0 | 3,153 |
| Trend | Declining | Near its peak |
Source: US Social Security Administration.
| Decade | Keira | Maeve |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 3,391 | 15,893 |
| 2010s | 13,440 | 7,545 |
| 2000s | 14,520 | 4,072 |
| 1990s | 1,390 | 1,450 |
| 1980s | 637 | 333 |
| 1970s | 359 | 89 |
| 1960s | 99 | 102 |
| 1950s | 0 | 74 |
| 1940s | 0 | 50 |
Anglicized spelling of the Irish Ciara, derived from Old Irish 'ciar' meaning 'black, dark'. Same root as Ciaran/Kieran; refers to dark hair or complexion.
Maeve anglicises the Irish Medb, usually interpreted as “she who rules” or “intoxicating.” Queen Medb is a central figure in Irish mythology.
Maeve is more popular than Keira today: about 3,153 US babies were given the name Maeve in 2025, compared with 0 named Keira.
Keira means dark, black-haired (irish origin), while Maeve means She who rules (Irish origin).
In US records, Keira first appears in 0 and Maeve in 1940, so Keira has the longer recorded history.