Maeve — Meaning, Origin, Pronunciation & 2026 Popularity Guide

TL;DR: Maeve (MAYV) is the Anglicized form of the ancient Irish name Medb — the warrior queen of Connacht in Irish mythology. Means "she who intoxicates" or "she who rules." Currently #109 in the US and one of the fastest-rising Irish names.

Quick facts

The story behind the name

Maeve is the Anglicized form of the ancient Irish Medb (or Méabh) — a legendary warrior queen of Connacht in Irish mythology. The Irish epic Táin Bó Cúailnge ("The Cattle Raid of Cooley") centers on Queen Medb's war against Ulster. She is one of the most powerful female figures in pre-Christian Irish literature — formidable, sensual, politically cunning.

The literal meaning of Medb is debated. The two strongest interpretations:

• "She who intoxicates" — from medb (mead, intoxicating drink)
• "She who rules" — from the same root that gives English "might"

Maeve entered modern Western usage in the 19th century during the Irish Literary Revival. It surged in the US in the 2010s alongside the broader Celtic-revival wave (Saoirse, Niamh, Aoife, Bridget, Maeve), and was further boosted by Maeve Binchy (Irish novelist), Maeve Wiley (Netflix's Sex Education), and Mae Whitman's career.

How popular is Maeve in 2026?

Maeve crossed into the US Top 200 in 2017 and the Top 150 in 2020. It's on track to enter the Top 100 by 2027.

How to pronounce Maeve

Standard: MAYV — one syllable, rhymes with "save." The "ae" makes the long "a" sound; the silent "e" softens it.

Common mispronunciation to anticipate: "MAY-vee" (adding a second syllable). The name is one syllable only.

Pairings

Best middle names: Maeve Catherine, Maeve Eloise, Maeve Olivia, Maeve Genevieve, Maeve Aurelia

Surname pairings: Maeve's short, sharp shape works with longer surnames. Strong: Maeve Bennett, Maeve Sullivan, Maeve O'Brien, Maeve Fitzgerald, Maeve Anderson. Tricky: Maeve Lee (too clipped together).

Sibling names —

• Girls: Saoirse, Niamh, Aoife, Iris, Eloise, Cordelia, Mira, Bryn
• Boys: Cillian, Declan, Finn, Atticus, Theo, Rhys, Eamon, Liam

Famous bearers

• Queen Medb — legendary Irish warrior queen
• Maeve Binchy — Irish novelist (Circle of Friends, Tara Road)
• Maeve Wiley — protagonist of Netflix's Sex Education (Emma Mackey)
• Maeve Higgins — Irish comedian
• Maeve Kennedy McKean — American public health official

Frequently asked questions

Is Maeve pronounced like "May" or "Mayv"?

MAYV — one syllable, ending with a "v" sound. Many people see the spelling and try "MAY-vee" (2 syllables); it's just MAYV.

Is Maeve a Catholic name?

It's pre-Christian Irish — older than Christianity in Ireland. But it's been widely used by Irish Catholic families for centuries and has no religious objections in any tradition.

What's the best nickname for Maeve?

The name is short enough that no nickname is needed. Some families use Mae or May as a sub-name, but Maeve usually stays whole.

Names similar to Maeve

Considering Maeve for your baby?

Maeve is recommended for families with:

• Irish or Celtic heritage
• A preference for short, strong, distinctive girl names
• Literary or mythological interests
• Sibling names already in the Celtic-revival pool

Our AI naming tool suggests 10 personalized alternatives →.

Related names

• Saoirse — meaning, origin, popularity
• Bryn — meaning, origin, popularity
• Wren — meaning, origin, popularity

Last updated: May 2026. Data sources: US Social Security Administration baby names database, Behind the Name. Curated by Fablely.