Origin, Meaning, And History Of Maeve
A traditional Irish name, Maeve boasts of a rich past. It has numerous origins, as a result of which its meaning differs. In Latin, it means ‘purple flower,’ while in old Irish, it means ‘one who rules or intoxicates.’ This name also has Proto-Celtic beginnings from the root word ‘medu,’ which translates to ‘mead.’ Mead, in medieval Ireland, was an important alcoholic beverage consumed during inauguration ceremonies.
In old Irish, Maeve, spelled “Medb” refers to the fabled Queen Maeve of Connaught. She was a fearless and powerful leader who ruled Connaught during the reign of Cuchulainn, one of the greatest Irish warriors. According to Irish mythology, a supernatural woman choosing a king by giving him alcohol is a way for her to show a land’s dominion. As a result, Maeve grants the king sovereignty.
This traditional yet lovely name has rapidly become one of the most preferred first or middle names for girls in the U.S. The name broke the top 200 records in 2020 and gained peak popularity in April 2020. Between 2017 and 2021, it came into the list of the top 500 names for girls in Ireland. Other spelling variants of Maeve are Mave, Maive, Mayve, Meadhbh, and Meabh.
Maeve, a Valg queen in the Throne of Glass novel, with whom Lord Lorcan Salvaterre falls in love, is a famous fantasy fairy tale that sparked the name’s popularity. Other TV series that contributed to its popularity include Westworld, Criminal Minds, and Make It or Break It.
Similarly, Maeve became a favored name after celebrity couples like Terry Kinney and Kathryn Erbe, and Lili Taylor and Nick Flynn picked it for their daughters. Although it’s originally a girl’s name, many accept it as unisex. They prefer it for other genders as well.
How To Pronounce Maeve?
The way you pronounce a name can make all the difference.
Listen to the sound of the name Maeve in English.
Famous People With The Name Maeve
- Maeve BinchyIrish novelist, playwright, and journalist
- Maeve Kennedy McKeanHuman rights attorney and great-niece of President John F. Kennedy.
- Maeve HigginsIrish comedian, actress, and writer
- Maeve TomaltyCanadian-American actress
- Maeve IngoldsbyIrish playwright and satirist
- Maeve QuinlanAmerican tennis player
- Maeve O’BoyleFirst Scottish singer-songwriter
- Maeve DermodyUK-based Australian actress
- Maeve KinkeadU.S soap opera actress, poet, and writer
- Maeve BrennanIrish short story writer and journalist
Maeve On The Popularity Chart
How popular is Maeve as a name and where does it stand on ranking charts? Check out the graphic representation shared here.
Popularity Over Time
Maeve was not a popular name for girls until the late 1990s. From 1980 to 1995, less than 200 babies per million were given this name. Its popularity surged in 2021 when over 2000 newborns were named Maeve.
Source:Social Security AdministrationRank Over Time
Maeve’s preference for a baby name has been steadily growing since the early 2000s. From 2014 to 2021, its rank has been in the top 500. Here is a graphic representation depicting its ranking over the years.
Source:Social Security AdministrationNames With Similar Sound As Maeve
Does the sound and feel of Maeve appeal to you, but you want a name with some other meaning? Here are some interesting similar-sounding names.
Popular Sibling Names For Maeve
If you are looking for some matching sibling names that resonate with Maeve, check our suggestions here.
Boy Sibling Names For Maeve
Find matching brother names for Maeve and create a wonderful team of siblings.
Maavalan
Maavarasan
Mafeed
Mafu
Mahfar
Mahfooz
Mahfouz
Mahfuz
Mahfuzurrahman
Maieveen
Girl Sibling Names For Maeve
Looking for some suitable sister names for Maeve? Check out our collection of beautiful and unique names.
Maeva
Maeven
Mafalda
Mafaz
Mahfooza
Mahfouza
Mahfuza
Mahvash
Mahveen
Maivelyn
Other Popular Names Beginning With M
Looking for more baby names starting with the letter M to resonate with your family’s naming tradition or to rhyme with the sibling names? Find a range of alternative names starting with this letter.
Names With Same Meaning As Maeve
Still not sure if Maeve is the right choice? There are many Irish names with the same meaning for your reference.
Infographic: Know The Name’s Personality As Per Numerology
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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How To Communicate The Name In Other Languages
In Nautical Flags
maeve
In Sign Language
maeve
In Braille Alphabet
maeve
In Morse Code
maeve
Name Numerology For Maeve
常见问题
1. Is Maeve a flower?
Maeve is not a flower, but it means a purple flower in Latin. Hence, some associate the name with lavender or phlox flowers.
2. Is Evie short for Maeve?
Short forms of names are created for convenience and personal touch. Evie can be used as a nickname for Maeve along with Eve and Mae.
3. Is Maeve a goddess?
According to Irish folklore, Queen Maeve was a legendary warrior known for her resilience, strength, and sometimes ruthlessness. She was not a goddess but is associated with war and sovereignty.
4. Are there any variations or alternative spellings of the name Maeve?
Yes, the Irish name Maeve has numerous variant spellings, such as Maev, Maiv, Mave, and Meave. The name is also spelled in Irish mythology as Méabh, Meadhbh, and Medb.
5. What are some positive characteristics associated with the name Maeve?
According to numerology, the name Maeve holds the personality number 8, meaning individuals with this name can appear as strong and confident personalities. They can be hardworking, and people may appreciate their good business sense. However, your child may have completely different characteristics, even if named Maeve. Remember that all people, regardless of their names, have positive traits.
6. What are some middle names that go well with Maeve?
Maeve has a connection with nature, meaning you can look for similar nature-related names. You can pair it up with other flower names such asRose,Lily, orDaisy. Since the name also means ‘one who rules,’ you can look for royal names too. The Japanese nameAiko, meaning ‘little loved one,’ is the name of a Princess in Japan. The currently popular nameEmma, meaning ‘universal,’ was the name of a Norwegian queen, and thus, can also complement Maeve.
7. What alternative names or nicknames can be derived from Maeve?
You can choose any endearing term as a nickname for your child. However, if you are looking for a moniker specifically for Maeve, consider the following options: Mave, Mae, Mavy, Evie, Vee, Mimi, May, Ava, and Emmy.
