Maeve

girlIrish

Maeve is an girl name of Irish origin, meaning “She who intoxicates”.

MeaningShe who intoxicates
GenderGirl
OriginIrish
PronunciationMAYV
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inIreland, United States, United Kingdom, Australia

Meaning and origin of Maeve

Maeve is the English spelling of Irish Méabh, from Old Irish Medb. The name is usually connected with words for mead and intoxication, so it is explained as 'she who intoxicates'. In the Ulster Cycle Medb is the warrior queen of Connacht who leads the cattle raid in the Táin Bó Cúailnge, and some scholars see in her a former sovereignty goddess. The name was revived in Ireland in the twentieth century and has since spread widely.

Is Maeve a religious name?

Maeve comes from pre-Christian Irish legend and has no religious meaning in Christianity; it is used today by families of all backgrounds, especially of Irish heritage.

How popular is Maeve?

Popular in Ireland and increasingly used in the US and Britain.

Gifts with the name Maeve

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Spellings and variants of Maeve

MéabhMedbMaevMeave

Names similar to Maeve

More girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Maeve mean?

Maeve means 'She who intoxicates'. It is of Irish origin.

Does Maeve have a religious meaning?

Maeve comes from pre-Christian Irish legend and has no religious meaning in Christianity; it is used today by families of all backgrounds, especially of Irish heritage.

How do you pronounce Maeve?

Maeve is pronounced MAYV.

Is Maeve a boy or girl name?

Maeve is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.