Maeve Girl
Origin(s)
Irish; Gaelic
Meaning
Irish: 'she who intoxicates'; Gaelic: 'the cause of great joy'
Historical & Cultural Background
Maeve is a traditional Irish name derived from the Gaelic name 'Medb'. In Irish mythology, Queen Maeve was a powerful and influential figure known for her strength and independence. The name has been popular in Ireland for centuries and has seen a resurgence in other English-speaking countries in recent years.
Trend Summary
Maeve has experienced a steady increase in popularity in the United States over the past decade.
Similar Names
Mairead, Mabel, Mae, Mavis, Mara, Mina, Mira
Variants
- Maev
- Meabh
International Variants
- Maev (Irish)
- Medb (Irish)
Famous people named Maeve
Maeve Binchy was an Irish author known for her bestselling novels and storytelling prowess.
Maeve McGowan is a notable Irish singer-songwriter recognized for her contributions to contemporary music.
Maeve O'Meara is an Australian television presenter and food writer celebrated for her culinary shows.
Maeve Kelly is an Irish artist known for her unique approach to contemporary painting.
Fictional characters named Maeve
Maeve Millay is a character in the television series 'Westworld', known for her intelligence and complexity.
Maeve Donovan is a character in the book series 'The Raven Cycle', recognized for her strong personality and loyalty.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Maeve was first seen in the United States in 1940. Maeve has ranked as high as #185 nationally which occurred in 2024 and has been most popular in New York, California, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Texas. In the past 5 years the name Maeve has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Maeve (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| NY | 203 | |
| CA | 197 | |
| IL | 191 | |
| PA | 185 | |
| TX | 173 | |
| MA | 173 | |
| OH | 150 | |
| FL | 105 | |
| VA | 95 | |
| WA | 95 | |
| MN | 90 | |
| NJ | 89 | |
| NC | 81 | |
| CO | 75 | |
| WI | 73 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1940 | 8 |
| 1941 | 10 |
| 1943 | 6 |
| 1944 | 5 |
| 1945 | 6 |
| 1947 | 7 |
| 1949 | 8 |
| 1951 | 7 |
| 1952 | 8 |
| 1953 | 9 |
| 1954 | 11 |
| 1955 | 7 |
| 1956 | 5 |
| 1957 | 5 |
| 1958 | 11 |
| 1959 | 11 |
| 1960 | 15 |
| 1961 | 12 |
| 1962 | 5 |
| 1963 | 16 |
| 1964 | 12 |
| 1965 | 11 |
| 1966 | 7 |
| 1967 | 6 |
| 1968 | 6 |
| 1969 | 12 |
| 1971 | 10 |
| 1972 | 9 |
| 1973 | 8 |
| 1974 | 8 |
| 1975 | 7 |
| 1976 | 9 |
| 1977 | 12 |
| 1978 | 13 |
| 1979 | 13 |
| 1980 | 13 |
| 1981 | 21 |
| 1982 | 19 |
| 1983 | 23 |
| 1984 | 30 |
| 1985 | 32 |
| 1986 | 45 |
| 1987 | 41 |
| 1988 | 56 |
| 1989 | 52 |
| 1990 | 48 |
| 1991 | 67 |
| 1992 | 79 |
| 1993 | 90 |
| 1994 | 102 |
| 1995 | 133 |
| 1996 | 141 |
| 1997 | 207 |
| 1998 | 240 |
| 1999 | 343 |
| 2000 | 295 |
| 2001 | 317 |
| 2002 | 350 |
| 2003 | 413 |
| 2004 | 378 |
| 2005 | 398 |
| 2006 | 447 |
| 2007 | 480 |
| 2008 | 486 |
| 2009 | 508 |
| 2010 | 546 |
| 2011 | 489 |
| 2012 | 571 |
| 2013 | 625 |
| 2014 | 648 |
| 2015 | 703 |
| 2016 | 820 |
| 2017 | 867 |
| 2018 | 973 |
| 2019 | 1,303 |
| 2020 | 1,644 |
| 2021 | 2,253 |
| 2022 | 2,676 |
| 2023 | 3,057 |
| 2024 | 3,098 |