Maeve: Name Guide
Quick Summary: Maeve is a female name of Irish origin, meaning "she who intoxicates" or "she who rules". Rooted in Celtic mythology as the legendary warrior queen of Connacht, Maeve carries connotations of strength, sovereignty, and captivating power.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Irish (Gaelic) |
| Meaning | "She who intoxicates" or "she who rules" |
| Gender | Female |
| Pronunciation | MAYV |
Etymology of Maeve
Maeve derives from the Old Irish Medb (later Meadhbh, Méabh), often interpreted as meaning "she who intoxicates" or "she who makes drunk". The name may also be linked to the Proto-Celtic root **medwa, meaning "mead" or "intoxicating drink", suggesting associations with sovereignty, feast, and abundance.
The name entered English usage through Anglicization of the Irish Gaelic forms, with "Maeve" becoming the standard English spelling by the 20th century. In Irish tradition, the name is inseparable from Queen Medb of Connacht, one of the most formidable figures in Celtic mythology, featured prominently in the Ulster Cycle's epic Táin Bó Cúailnge (The Cattle Raid of Cooley).
The connection to intoxication is not literal but symbolic: in ancient Irish culture, sovereignty was often personified as a woman who bestowed kingship through a ritual drink. Maeve thus embodies the concept of ruling power and magnetic authority.
History of Maeve
Origins and Early Use
The name originates with Queen Medb of Connacht, a legendary figure from Irish mythology dating to the early medieval period. Historical records suggest the name was used among Irish nobility and ruling families, though its use was relatively localized to Ireland for centuries.
Rise to Popularity
Maeve remained predominantly Irish until the late 20th century. The Irish cultural revival and growing interest in Celtic heritage during the 1990s-2000s brought the name to international attention. The rise of fantasy literature, television series featuring strong female characters named Maeve (such as Westworld and The Boys), and broader acceptance of non-Anglicized Irish names contributed to its surge.
| Era | Event | Impact on Name |
|---|---|---|
| Medieval Ireland | Queen Medb mythology | Established name within Irish nobility |
| 1990s-2000s | Celtic cultural revival | Name enters US popularity charts |
| 2010s-2020s | Pop culture (Westworld, The Boys) | Sharp rise in US rankings, reaching top 100 |
Modern Usage
Maeve has experienced dramatic growth in the United States since 2000. From near obscurity (ranked #778 in the 2000s), it surged to #75 in 2024. This rise reflects broader naming trends favoring short, strong-sounding names with mythological or literary roots. Parents are drawn to Maeve for its combination of femininity and fierceness, as well as its clear pronunciation despite its Irish spelling.
Key insight: This name rose because of a convergence of Celtic cultural pride, feminist reinterpretations of warrior queens, and modern media representation of powerful women, and it has stabilized as parents seek names that balance tradition with contemporary strength.
Why people choose this name: People tend to choose Maeve when they want to convey independence, strength, and cultural heritage, especially in contexts involving leadership, creativity, or connection to Irish roots.
Variants of Maeve
| Language | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Irish Gaelic | Méabh, Meadhbh, Medb | Original forms; spelling varies by dialect |
| English | Maeve | Standard Anglicized form |
| Scottish Gaelic | Meadhbh | Similar to Irish |
For digital IDs, shorter forms tend to be more practical than full international variants. Consider length, spelling clarity, and memorability.
Nicknames
Mae, Maevie, Mave
Similar Names
- Niamh - Another Irish mythological name meaning "bright" or "radiant"
- Aoife - Irish name meaning "beauty"; also a warrior figure in Irish legend
- Mabel - Not etymologically related, but phonetically similar and shares vintage revival trend
Maeve Popularity
US Rankings (SSA Data)
| Decade | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | - | - |
| 1920s | - | - |
| 1940s | #3399 | 8 |
| 1960s | #3294 | 15 |
| 1980s | #5422 | 13 |
| 2000s | #778 | 295 |
| 2020s | #173 | 1,644 |
| 2024s | #75 | 3,098 |
Peak: 2023, ranked #73 (3,057 births)
Current (2024): #75 (3,098 births)
Trend analysis: The name's meteoric rise from the early 2000s coincides with increased visibility of Irish names in English-speaking countries and popular culture depictions of Maeve as a powerful, complex character. Its continued upward trajectory suggests sustained appeal.
Note: Popularity rankings reflect birth records and do not necessarily indicate current digital usage or username availability.
Maeve as a Username
Availability
"maeve" as a username is often taken on major platforms, though availability varies by service and region. Due to its recent surge in popularity, variations are frequently necessary.
Variations for IDs
| Style | Example | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | maeve | Professional |
| With numbers | maeve99, maeve24 | Gaming |
| Abbreviated | mae, mv | Social media |
| Stylized | xmaeve, maevex | Creative, preserves core sound |
Digital Impression
Maeve as an ID tends to project:
- Strength and independence - because of its association with a warrior queen and concise, assertive sound
- Cultural sophistication - because it signals familiarity with Irish heritage or literary/mythological references
- Modern femininity - because it balances softness (Mae sound) with a strong ending
Best for: Creative professionals, writers, gamers seeking strong female personas, individuals with Irish heritage
Avoid if: you prefer highly unique or abstract usernames, or dislike associations with pop culture characters.
Is Maeve good for a username?
Maeve works well as a username if you value strength, cultural depth, and a name that is recognizable yet distinctive. However, due to its rising popularity, you may need variations like maeve_official, maevewrites, or mae_v to secure availability on popular platforms.
FAQ
What does Maeve mean?
Maeve means "she who intoxicates" or "she who rules" from Old Irish Medb, linked to sovereignty and power in Celtic mythology.
Is Maeve popular?
According to SSA data, Maeve ranks #75 in the US (2024). It is rising rapidly and has entered the top 100 within the past two years.
What are nicknames for Maeve?
Common nicknames: Mae, Maevie, Mave.
Is Maeve a boy's or girl's name?
Maeve is traditionally a female name. It has remained exclusively feminine in modern usage.
How do you pronounce Maeve?
Maeve is pronounced MAYV (rhymes with "wave"). Some may initially misread it as "mah-EV" if unfamiliar with Irish names, but MAYV is standard.
Is Maeve good for a username?
Maeve works well as a username if you value strength and cultural sophistication, though availability may require variation due to its recent popularity surge.
Related Names
- Niamh - Another powerful Irish mythological name, meaning "bright"
- Aoife - Irish warrior name meaning "beauty", shares legendary heritage
- Mae - Shorter form, often preferred for digital IDs due to simplicity
Sources: SSA Baby Names (ssa.gov), Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name Last updated: February 2026