Maeve: Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity, & Inspiration

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1. Home
2. Baby Names

Maeve

The name Maeve means "purple flower" in Latin and is a feminine Celtic name meaning "queen."

+ 15% this year Feminine Common

Tara Rhiannon Dawn Gunn, BA, MFA

| Updated: August 7, 2024

Tara Rhiannon Dawn Gunn, BA, MFA

| Updated: August 7, 2024 Table of contents

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Maeve mean and stand for?

Meaning:

• Irish: Joyous, she who intoxicates
• Celtic: Queen
• Greek: Goddess of song
• Latin: Purple flower
• French: A small bird; song-thrush; joy

Gender: Female

Syllables: 1

Pronunciation: The name Maeve is pronounced mayv

The name Maeve means "purple flower" in Latin and is a feminine Celtic name meaning "queen." Maeve is the Anglicized form of the Gaelic name Medb, which means "intoxicating."

Girl name variations

Maeva Maive Mave Mayve Mavis Maves Maeves Mauve Meave

How Popular Is The Name Maeve

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Chris O'Donnell

Maeve in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

• Maeve Millay from Westworld - A highly intelligent host who becomes self-aware and seeks freedom.
• Maeve Wiley from Sex Education - A brilliant but troubled student who starts a sex therapy clinic at her school.
• Maeve Donovan from Criminal Minds - A geneticist and the love interest of SSA Dr. Spencer Reid.
• Maeve Rourke from The Secret Circle - A powerful witch with a mysterious past in the novel series.
• Maeve Stoddard from Guiding Light - A character from the long-running American soap opera, known for her tumultuous storyline.

Popularity of the Name Maeve

According to Social Security Administration data, the name Maeve has steadily risen in popularity in the US over recent years. While it was relatively uncommon in earlier decades, it has surged in popularity, breaking into the top 500 names by the early 2000s, and as of the last available data, it ranked well within the top 200, marking a significant increase in use.

Historically, figures with the name Maeve are less common, but its growth in modern times can be attributed to cultural influences such as literature and media. Notable persons with the name include several fictional characters, like Maeve Millay from Westworld, Maeve Wiley from Sex Education, and Maeve Donovan from Criminal Minds, which have likely contributed to the name's rising popularity.

The name's unique charm and historical roots in Irish culture, meaning "she who intoxicates," add to its appeal for new parents seeking a distinctive yet meaningful name for their daughters.

Where Is the Name Maeve Popular?

This name is most popular across certain states in the U.S., including those highlighted on the map below.

Nicknames for Maeve

These shortened names can make great nicknames for your baby.

• Mae
• Mavie

Maeve Pairs Well With These Middle Names

Looking for a middle name that fits perfectly? Consider these!

Alexis Amber Grace Shirley Shreya

Appears On

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People Who Like the Name Maeve Also Like

Check out these names that are similar, but still unique to your baby.

Cora Eloise Juniper Luna Mabel

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