| Maeve | Ciara | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | She who rules | dark, black-haired |
| Origin | Irish | irish |
| Gender | Girl | Girl |
| Pronunciation | MAYV | KEER-ah |
| Syllables | 1 | 2 |
| First appeared | 1940 | 1972 |
| Peak year | 2025 (3,153) | 2005 (2,325) |
| In 2025 | 3,153 | 155 |
| Trend | Near its peak | Declining |
Source: US Social Security Administration.
| Decade | Maeve | Ciara |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 15,893 | 1,089 |
| 2010s | 7,545 | 3,996 |
| 2000s | 4,072 | 12,046 |
| 1990s | 1,450 | 13,068 |
| 1980s | 333 | 4,445 |
| 1970s | 89 | 232 |
| 1960s | 102 | 0 |
| 1950s | 74 | 0 |
| 1940s | 50 | 0 |
Maeve anglicises the Irish Medb, usually interpreted as “she who rules” or “intoxicating.” Queen Medb is a central figure in Irish mythology.
Feminine form of the Irish name Ciar/Ciaran, from Old Irish 'ciar' meaning 'black, dark'. Traditionally understood as 'dark-haired' or 'dark complexioned' rather than anything sinister.
Maeve is more popular than Ciara today: about 3,153 US babies were given the name Maeve in 2025, compared with 155 named Ciara.
Maeve means She who rules (Irish origin), while Ciara means dark, black-haired (irish origin).
In US records, Maeve first appears in 1940 and Ciara in 1972, so Maeve has the longer recorded history.