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
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
📊 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
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (4 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 4 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
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
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 by Generation - 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 by Generation - 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
This map shows relative popularity 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 in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in New Hampshire 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, usage 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, popularity patterns vary significantly: 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. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.