| Nora | Maeve | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Honour; light | She who rules |
| Origin | Irish | Irish |
| Gender | Girl | Girl |
| Pronunciation | NOR-uh | MAYV |
| Syllables | 2 | 1 |
| First appeared | 1880 | 1940 |
| Peak year | 2025 (6,380) | 2025 (3,153) |
| In 2025 | 6,380 | 3,153 |
| Trend | Near its peak | Near its peak |
Source: US Social Security Administration.
| Decade | Nora | Maeve |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 36,567 | 15,893 |
| 2010s | 44,076 | 7,545 |
| 2000s | 10,922 | 4,072 |
| 1990s | 5,532 | 1,450 |
| 1980s | 5,532 | 333 |
| 1970s | 5,770 | 89 |
| 1960s | 9,521 | 102 |
| 1950s | 11,540 | 74 |
| 1940s | 9,405 | 50 |
| 1930s | 8,926 | 0 |
| 1920s | 12,298 | 0 |
| 1910s | 11,063 | 0 |
| 1900s | 7,172 | 0 |
| 1890s | 8,293 | 0 |
| 1880s | 6,521 | 0 |
Nora is a short form of names such as Eleanor and Honora (from the Latin honor). Long popular in Ireland, it has become a widespread vintage revival.
Maeve anglicises the Irish Medb, usually interpreted as “she who rules” or “intoxicating.” Queen Medb is a central figure in Irish mythology.
Nora is more popular than Maeve today: about 6,380 US babies were given the name Nora in 2025, compared with 3,153 named Maeve.
Nora means Honour; light (Irish origin), while Maeve means She who rules (Irish origin).
In US records, Nora first appears in 1880 and Maeve in 1940, so Nora has the longer recorded history.