Maeve: Meaning, Origin & Everything You Need to Know
Maeve is the anglicised form of the Irish Medb and is usually translated 'she who intoxicates'.
At a Glance
- Pronunciation
- MAYVmeɪv
- Origin
- Irish
- Meaning
- Maeve is the anglicised form of the Irish Medb and is usually translated 'she who intoxicates'.
- Gender
- Girl's name
- Syllables
- 1
- Nicknames
- Mae, Maevie
- US Popularity (2025)
- #76 — 📈 Rising
What Does Maeve Mean?
Maeve is the modern spelling of the Old Irish name Medb, which is related to the word for mead and is usually translated as 'intoxicating' or 'she who intoxicates'. Medb is a legendary queen of Connacht in the Ulster Cycle, the most famous of the ancient Irish epics, where she leads an army in the cattle raid told in the 'Táin Bó Cúailnge'.
Because of that ancestry, Maeve has long been used in Ireland as a strong, proud and slightly mischievous name. The writer Maeve Binchy made it familiar to readers around the world in the late twentieth century, and it has been a favourite outside Ireland ever since.
In the US, Maeve has risen steadily and now ranks among the top 100 girls' names. It is short, easy to say and has a clear, bright sound that pairs well with both formal and relaxed middle names.
How Popular Is Maeve?
Maeve has risen steadily over the past two decades and now sits in the top 100.
Source: US Social Security Administration (SSA) baby name data, ssa.gov/oact/babynames, 2025.
Middle Names That Go with Maeve
Classic pairings
- Maeve Elizabeth
- Maeve Catherine
- Maeve Margaret
- Maeve Rose
Modern pairings
- Maeve Wilder
- Maeve Juniper
- Maeve Eden
- Maeve Marlowe
One-syllable options
- Maeve Claire
- Maeve Jane
- Maeve Faith
- Maeve Rae
Family-name bridges
- Maeve Anne
- Maeve Louise
- Maeve Marie
- Maeve Grace
Names Similar to Maeve
If you love Maeve, you might also like these names with a similar feel, origin, or sound.
Sibling Names That Go with Maeve
💙 Brother names
💗 Sister names
Famous People Named Maeve
- Maeve BinchyIrish novelist and journalist, author of 'Circle of Friends' and 'Tara Road'.
- Maeve BrennanIrish-born American short-story writer and longtime staff writer at The New Yorker.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maeve
Is Maeve a boy or girl name?
Maeve is primarily a girl's name. It is very rarely used for boys.
How do you pronounce Maeve?
Maeve is pronounced MAYV (IPA: meɪv). It has 1 syllable. Common nicknames include Mae, Maevie.
What does Maeve mean?
Maeve is the anglicised form of the Irish Medb and is usually translated 'she who intoxicates'.
Maeve is the modern spelling of the Old Irish name Medb, which is related to the word for mead and is usually translated as 'intoxicating' or 'she who intoxicates'. Medb is a legendary queen of Connacht in the Ulster Cycle, the most famous of the ancient Irish epics, where she leads an army in the cattle raid told in the 'Táin Bó Cúailnge'.
Is Maeve a popular name in 2026?
Yes, Maeve is a highly popular name. It ranked #76 in the United States in 2025 according to the Social Security Administration. The name is currently trending upward. Maeve has risen steadily over the past two decades and now sits in the top 100.
What are good middle names for Maeve?
Good middle names for Maeve include classic choices like Maeve Elizabeth and Maeve Catherine, modern options like Maeve Wilder and Maeve Juniper, and crisp one-syllable pairings like Maeve Claire and Maeve Jane. The best middle name depends on your surname and personal style.
Discussing Maeve with your partner?
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