Maev

Maev is a feminine given name. It is a variant spelling of Maeve, which originates from the Irish Gaelic name Méabh (Meadhbh). The form is tied to traditional meanings connected with mead or intoxicating beverage, and has cultural resonance through the legendary queen Medb (Meadhbh) of Connacht in Irish mythology, who appears in the Táin Bó Cúailnge.

In modern use, the name has been employed in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora, and in English-speaking contexts Maev appears as an alternate spelling of Maeve. It is most commonly given to girls and can be encountered in fiction and contemporary naming. The pronunciation is typically /meɪv/ (mayv), though regional variations may occur. Variants include Maeve, Meabh, and Méadhbh; the mythological form Medb is related but older. Although Maev is primarily seen as a given name, it may occasionally appear as a surname in rare cases. Its popularity has varied over time, often influenced by its similarity to Maeve, especially after the Maeve character in literature and media.