Maeve
Complete Name Analysis & Etymology Guide
26,442 Total Births
145 Years of Data
2024 Peak Popularity Year
3,098 Peak Births

Maeve Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis

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Summary

The name Maeve has its roots in Irish culture, originating from the old Irish 'Medb', meaning 'she who intoxicates'. It has evolved from Medb to Maeve over time. The name is associated with a legendary figure in Irish mythology and embodies traits of strength and independence. There is no biblical relevance to the name, and it gained popularity in the 20th century. Today, it is perceived positively, linked to empowerment, and has notable bearers in literature and entertainment.

Etymology & Cultural Background of "Maeve"

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Pronunciation

/meɪv/

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Origin

Irish

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Etymology

The name Maeve derives from the old Irish 'Medb', meaning 'she who intoxicates'. It is associated with a legendary queen of Connacht in Irish mythology who was known for her strength and independence.

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Meaning

intoxicating

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Language Evolution

Medb, Maeve

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Historical Usage

Maeve has been used in Ireland since ancient times, but it gained more widespread popularity in the English-speaking world during the 20th century, particularly in the mid-1900s.

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Variants & Derivatives

Medb, Maolmhuire, Maebh

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Modern Popularity & Image

Currently, Maeve is viewed as a strong and independent name, often associated with femininity and empowerment. It has gained popularity in various cultures, especially among those interested in Irish heritage.

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Famous People

Maeve Binchy, an Irish novelist, Maeve Higgins, an Irish comedian and writer

📊 Maeve Name Trend Analysis

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Girl Name Trend

Recent 3-Year Analysis

3-Year Trend: Rising
25-Year Trend: Relatively Stable

Explore More Maeve Name Visualizations

✨ Maeve Name Meaning & Significance

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Popularity Trend

Highly Popular name with 3,098 peak births in 2024

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Geographic Spread

Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in New Hampshire

Historical Span

Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends

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Generational Impact

Influenced 6 different American generations with varying popularity

🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Maeve" - Complete Guide (4 Names)

Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Maeve". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 4 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.

Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Maeve" that fits your preferences.

Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Maeve"

Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Yearly Ranking History of "Maeve"

"Maeve" Popularity Across American Generations

Generation Gender Rank Total Names
Silent Generation (1928-1945) Girl 5791st of 9204 35
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Girl 4435th of 12526 149
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) Girl 5573rd of 19264 144
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) Girl 2027th of 27321 979
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) Girl 681st of 35406 6,468
Generation Alpha (2013-2024) Girl 199th of 30306 18,667

Regional Popularity of "Maeve" by Generation for Male Names

TOP(%) MidWest Northeast South West
G.I. Generation
(1901-1927)
- - - -
Silent Generation
(1928-1945)
- - - -
Baby Boomers
(1946-1964)
- - - -
Generation X (Gen X)
(1965-1980)
- - - -
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
- - - -
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
- - - -
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
- - - -

Regional Popularity of "Maeve" by Generation for Female Names

TOP(%) MidWest Northeast South West
G.I. Generation
(1901-1927)
- - - -
Silent Generation
(1928-1945)
- - - -
Baby Boomers
(1946-1964)
- 80.45%
1955th/2430
- 94.59%
2625th/2775
Generation X (Gen X)
(1965-1980)
- 100.00%
3483rd/3483
- -
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
48.58%
1790th/3685
22.48%
1006th/4475
67.64%
3513th/5194
50.47%
3188th/6317
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
13.03%
597th/4582
5.07%
262nd/5164
19.14%
1400th/7313
16.60%
1239th/7463
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
3.69%
147th/3984
2.01%
90th/4487
5.48%
374th/6822
4.06%
255th/6276

State-by-State Popularity of "Maeve"

This map shows the relative popularity of "Maeve" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.

Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Maeve" in the United States

The name Maeve is most popular in New Hampshire, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Maeve has been too falling for female in MidWest, too falling for female in Northeast, too falling for female in South, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been too falling for female in MidWest, too falling for female in Northeast, too falling for female in South, too falling for female in West. Across generations, 'Maeve' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 5791st out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4435th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5573rd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2027th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 681st out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 199th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Maeve' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.

Infographic: Maeve name meaning, origin, and popularity trends in the United States (US baby name analysis chart)
[600x500px image] Etymology and historical popularity of Maeve,