"she who intoxicates, intoxicating woman"
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Language: Irish
Maeve
Pronunciation: [ m-uh-EHV ]
Girl Name
#75 Most Popular
Rising
1 Syllable
A fierce Irish warrior queen's name brewed from ancient magic
Irish
American
British
Australian
Bold
Literary
Earthy
Vintage
Unique
Meaning & Origin
"she who intoxicates"
Origin: Old Irish
Language: Irish
"intoxicating one, mead-like"
Origin: Proto-Celtic
Language: Celtic
The Story of Maeve
Maeve is the anglicized form of the Old Irish 'Meadhbh' (also spelled Medb or Méabh). The name derives from a Proto-Celtic root meaning 'intoxicating' or 'she who intoxicates,' closely related to the word for mead — the ancient honey wine. Meadhbh was a legendary warrior queen of Connacht in Irish mythology, appearing as the central figure in the Ulster Cycle epic 'Táin Bó Cúailnge' (The Cattle Raid of Cooley). She is one of the most powerful and complex female figures in all Celtic mythology.
Maeve has been rising sharply in the US, UK, and Australia through the 2010s-2020s as parents seek short, unusual names with authentic Celtic heritage. The Netflix series 'Sex Education' (2019-2023), featuring the sharp and independent protagonist Maeve Wiley, significantly boosted the name's visibility among younger parents.
Queen Maeve of Connacht is one of Irish mythology's most complex and fascinating figures — powerful, ambitious, sexually liberated, and fiercely political. She is a symbol of feminine authority in a literary tradition that often downplayed women's power. The Táin Bó Cúailnge is Ireland's greatest prose epic, and Maeve is at its center.
Fun Facts
- The Táin Bó Cúailnge, Queen Maeve's story, is Ireland's greatest prose epic and forms the centerpiece of the Ulster Cycle of ancient Irish myths
- William Butler Yeats was so fascinated by Queen Maeve that he referenced her in multiple poems, including 'The Old Age of Queen Maeve'
Maeve in Other Languages
Irish
Meadhbh
French
Maève
Spanish
Maeve
Japanese
メイヴ
Scottish Gaelic
Mèabh
Famous People Named Maeve
M
Maeve Wiley (fictional)
Other
2019
Fan-favorite character from the Netflix series Sex Education, known for her intelligence and wit
M
Maeve Binchy
Writer
1940
Irish novelist and journalist beloved for warm, character-driven stories including Circle of Friends and Tara Road, Irel...
Irish novelist and journalist beloved for warm, character-driven stories including Circle of Friends and Tara Road, Ireland's most successful female novelist
Q
Queen Medb (Maeve)
Other
100
Legendary queen of Connacht in Irish mythology, known for her strength and ambition in the Ulster Cycle
Q
Queen Maeve of Connacht Fictional
Royalty
Legendary warrior queen of Connacht in Irish mythology, central figure of the Táin Bó Cúailnge and one of the most power...
Legendary warrior queen of Connacht in Irish mythology, central figure of the Táin Bó Cúailnge and one of the most powerful female figures in all Celtic tradition
M
Maeve Wiley Fictional
Other
Sharp, independent protagonist of Netflix's 'Sex Education' (2019-2023), who runs a secret sex advice clinic at school a...
Sharp, independent protagonist of Netflix's 'Sex Education' (2019-2023), who runs a secret sex advice clinic at school and becomes a celebrated young writer
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #75
- Total SSA Count
- 3,098
- Cultural Origins
- Irish American British Australian
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Nicknames
Mae
May
Maeie
Pairs Well With
Maeve Rose
Maeve Eileen
Maeve Grace
Maeve Josephine
Maeve Brigid
Maeve Kate
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Maeve
What does the name Maeve mean?
"she who intoxicates, intoxicating woman" (from Irish Gaelic). "she who intoxicates" (from Old Irish). "intoxicating one, mead-like" (from Proto-Celtic). Maeve is the anglicized form of the Old Irish 'Meadhbh' (also spelled Medb or Méabh). The name derives from a Proto-Celtic root meaning 'intoxicating' or 'she who intoxicates,' closely related to the word for mead — the ancient honey wine. Meadhbh was a legendary warrior queen of Connacht in Irish mythology, appearing as the central figure in the Ulster Cycle epic 'Táin Bó Cúailnge' (The Cattle Raid of Cooley). She is one of the most powerful and complex female figures in all Celtic mythology.
What is the origin of the name Maeve?
Maeve has Irish Gaelic, Old Irish, Proto-Celtic, Irish, American, British, and Australian origins. In Irish Gaelic, it means "she who intoxicates, intoxicating woman". In Old Irish, it means "she who intoxicates". In Proto-Celtic, it means "intoxicating one, mead-like".
Is Maeve a boy or girl name?
Maeve is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Maeve?
Maeve is pronounced m-uh-EHV.
How popular is the name Maeve?
Maeve is currently ranked #75 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Maeve?
Common nicknames for Maeve include Mae, May, and Maeie.
What are good middle names for Maeve?
Popular middle name pairings include Maeve Rose, Maeve Eileen, Maeve Grace, Maeve Josephine, Maeve Brigid, and Maeve Kate.
What are good sibling names for Maeve?
Names that pair well with Maeve as siblings include Siobhan, Roisin, Cormac, Finn, Ciara, and Declan.
How many syllables does Maeve have?
Maeve has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Maeve a common or rare name?
Maeve is a very popular name, ranked #75 among girl names in the United States.
About the Name Maeve
Maeve is a girl name with Irish, American, British, and Australian origins . The name means "she who intoxicates, intoxicating woman" in Irish Gaelic .
Maeve is currently ranked #75 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Maeve has 1 syllable and is pronounced m-uh-EHV, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Maeve include Mae, May, and Maeie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Maeve include Maeva, Maevyn, Maevis, Maeven, Maevry . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.