So the proper pronunciation of Maeve is Mae uh vvvv (long v sound) That’s from the original Irish pronunciation of the name from its original Gaelic language. I grew up in Ireland, my cousin’s name is Maeve and my daughter’s name is also. A lot of Americans pronouncing it Mave like Wave. I guess it’s fine when you say it fast but it’s really not a one syllable name in it’s original form.
― Anonymous User 1/11/2024, edited 1/11/2024
2
I don't care much for the meaning, but I must admit, the spelling and pronunciation of the name Maeve are absolutely gorgeous. Mae and Eve would be adorable nicknames.
I picked this name for my daughter in 2018, wanting something unique and easily pronounceable by European family members. Even though it was already on the rise, it's mad to see it's now in the top 100 across just about all the anglophone countries 😬 Its rise reminds me of the global Kevin phenomenon in the 80s/90s. We get lots of compliments on it and haven't (yet) met any other Maeves in school here in the UK, though I predict it's only a matter of time. FWIW the little one loves her name and being named after an ancient Irish battle queen definitely suits her feisty temperament..!
I have a baby cousin with this name, born right when Maeve started taking off (popularity-wise). I have a feeling I'm going to start seeing Maeve a lot more - *especially* if people decide they like Maeve more than, say, Ava.For me, Maeve is off-limits due to said adorable baby cousin, but I do quite like it.
Short, sweet, and usable not only in its native land. It has more personality than delicate, Old Hollywood May/Mae, and feels much more modern than Mavis.
It’s a pretty name but I really don’t like the meaning.
― Anonymous User 5/26/2022
0
This is actually my favorite name, it’s so beautiful. Also I’m 100% sure this will reach the top 100 in a few years since this name is in the top 100 of every other English-Speaking country.
― Anonymous User 1/23/2022
8
I thought it was nice at first but later realized that it looks much nicer than it sounds.There's a scene in the show "Derry Girls" (set in Northern Ireland in the 90s) in which the granddad has a love interest called Maeve. Over dinner the family has a heated discussion and the name Maeve falls many many times which leads the Ukrainian exchange student to ask "why do you keep making that noise?".I like that it has a long history but sound-wise I much prefer May.
― Anonymous User 4/8/2021
-5
My sister's name is Maeve, but she is thinking of changing the spelling to Méabh. Of course, the first spelling is easier to pronounce, but our family loves hard-to-spell names. Unfortunately, the name is gaining popularity, which means that my sister will not be the only Maeve in her classes anymore. In one of her camps, there were 3 Maeves, not counting her. That being said, I still really like the sound of the name Maeve, but due to its lack of syllables, it doesn't leave much room for nicknames. Our parents sometimes combine 'Maeve' with other words/names, such as Maevelyn (Maeve + middle name Emelyn) or Maevaroni (Maeve + macaroni). Those seem to be strictly parent nicknames, and I can imagine her hating it when her friends call her that. But not having nicknames isn't a bad thing, because there's really no way to shorten a one-syllable name. Maeve on its own does not sound like a nickname, and it definitely sounds unique, whether it is or is not. Also, an added bonus, Queen Méabh of Connaught was killed with a piece of cheese, and we think that's funny. :)
Dunno if it's just me, but this name seems to be gaining popularity, and I see it mentioned on baby name sites all the time. It's a decent name in itself, but I'm getting tired of seeing it.
― Anonymous User 10/11/2020
-3
I thought this was related to Maeva and was pronounced "ma-AYV". Well, it's really pretty.
This is the name of a main character in the popular Netflix dramady series Sex Education. Maeve Wiley, the main character is a feisty independent feminist and social outcast.
― Anonymous User 3/9/2020
5
I like this name a lot, although I much prefer it when pronounced 'may-vee'.
My name is Maeve. I think it is wonderful and it's hard with new people because they don't know how to pronounce it correctly.
― Anonymous User 3/22/2018
3
I see lots of people saying Maeve is a raunchy name. I disagree. I think it is quite a sexy name for women and a sweet one for children. My middle name is Maeve, but it's shortened from Maevis (My Dad's mum who died from Cancer) Fresh and unusual, but not for the non-flowery type.
Name of the Day for Oct 11, 2017. This is honestly one of my favorite names. Beautiful, elegant, and meaningful. It should be used more.
― Anonymous User 10/11/2017
3
Maeve Millay is a character in Westworld who runs the brothel. When I look at the meaning and history behind this name, I am filled with admiration for the writers of the show since this is a clever name choice for a character involved in the business of prostitution!
I once knew someone whose name was spelled Maev (no E at the end). I didn't really care for that spelling - like Anne and Maude, I think it needs an E at the end - but I always thought the sound was really cool.
― Anonymous User 10/11/2016
4
I've heard this name has two meanings- intoxication and the bringer of great joy. I like the second meaning better. I love the name, but I want to name my baby a name that means joy and since two different meanings are given for this name. I'm not sure which is the right one. Anyone who understands Irish Gaelic could you tell me which is the right one?
― Anonymous User 8/4/2016
1
I love the sound of this name. Maeve is a beautiful, amazing Irish name.
― Anonymous User 9/6/2015
7
As you can see my name is Maeve and I have to say, I do like the name. I would not like to see America use the name Maeve more because I don't want it to turn to just another name. And trust me, I've seen enough of that done. Anywayyyy, I do like the Irish origins and am happy to be me, see y'all later.
I'm the opposite of many, I never really liked the sound of the name, it reminds of other unattractive sounding things like mauve and navel. But I love the meaning and history behind it. Also for people needing a one syllable middlename it's much more fresh than Anne or Rose, so I can see why someone else might like it.
For those individuals who keep commenting on the negative aspect of the meaning of Maeve (intoxicating), and the namesakes' history; I want to add that Maeve also means "the cause of great joy". In addition, yes, she was a very powerful queen who did start one bloody battle, but had she been a man, none of the negative comments about her, or her name, would have been mentioned (i.e. Alexander the Great, he conquered many civilizations and I'm certain there was much bloodshed).
I must admit to having a great fondness for this name - it has connotations of sweetness and nubility, and seems very connected to the world of faerie.
It is said by historians by that Queen Mebh or Maeve was originally a goddess that a king would ritually marry as part of his inauguration (hence the number of husbands she has in legend).Her name meaning "she who intoxicates" is cognate with the English word mead, a fermented honey drink. It is therefore thought that the ritual marriage ceremony would have involved sharing a sweet alcoholic drink.Queen Mebh/Maeve has also appeared on the Irish pound note.
I really like Maeve and appreciate its history and such. It does have a very nice, very "Irish" sound, if you will, and it's quite ethereal and really is fairy-like.It reminds me of Mab and Maude as well. I like the meaning of Maeve, too!
I adore this name. I pronounce it the traditional way, MAYV. And being one of the many people who aren't knowledgeable on Irish mythology, I don't connect to anything pagan, sinister, or negative in any way.It's a beautiful name, but in a simplistic way.
How would you spell it if you wanted to pronounce it May-vee? I initially thought that was the pronunciation. It sounded sweet. Mayv might sound a bit harsh. And my surname begins with V so it would be a little bit of a clash.
I love this name. The interesting meaning and the pagan connotations are exactly what makes it so appealing - I wish there were more names without any Christian associations!
― Anonymous User 3/5/2010
4
I'm normally not fond of Irish names, but I do find this name very beautiful. It has a nice ring to it.
The traditional Irish spelling of Maeve is Meadhbh. And it is pronounced the same way, MAYV.
― Anonymous User 10/14/2009
4
Meav ni Mhaolchatha is a talented, beautiful, and incredibly gifted Irish singer. She is a part of the group Celtic Woman (not women, Woman). I highly recommend that if you have an interest in all names Irish, that you check out these amazingly talented women.
― Anonymous User 3/5/2009
4
I love the name Maeve and don't think it's a pagan name at all. In fact, there was a girl in my church youth group with this name. Everyone, including people named Maeve, should be given the chance to make their own impression, despite whatever connotations others have about the name.Secondly, Maeve was just a character in Irish Mythology. The meaning isn't very great, but who cares? Besides, a name is simply what you call someone. Despite the meaning, I may very well use this name for my future daughter.
― Anonymous User 8/29/2008
4
This is one of the few Irish names I actually like because the spelling isn't completely awful.
― Anonymous User 7/17/2008
-3
I strongly dislike this name. Naming your child Maeve is like child abuse. JK. But still.
There's an Irish singer named Méav, I've heard her here in my hometown, singing with the National Chamber Choir, from Ireland. They came to Brazil once, and I found Méav's voice just amazing!
Kathryn Erbe (Law & Order: Criminal Intent) has a daughter named Maeve. I love this name.
― Anonymous User 5/2/2006
2
When I first saw this name I loved it, especially the meaning. But I thought it was pronounced May-ev, which I like better than Mayv, so now I don't like it as much.
Yes, I've read the Wiccan series "Sweep". Maeve Riordan is the deceased mother of the main character Morgan Rowlands. Maeve was burned in a barn with the man whom loved her but she didn't love back. The murderer was her soulmate. Maeve Riordan was said to be a very powerful good witch with an affinity for fire, which her daughter inherited.
I don't understand the appeal of a name whose namesake organized the death of the hero Cuchulainn. Also, the "intoxicating" meaning puts me off because it seems somewhat raunchy.
― Anonymous User 6/9/2005
-14
One famous bearer of this name is Irish novelist Maeve Binchy.