Maeve Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
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"
Pronunciation
/meɪv/
Origin
Irish
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.
Meaning
intoxicating
Language Evolution
Medb, Maeve
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.
Variants & Derivatives
Medb, Maolmhuire, Maebh
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.
Famous People
Maeve Binchy, an Irish novelist, Maeve Higgins, an Irish comedian and writer
📊 Maeve Name Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 3,098 peak births in 2024
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
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.