Meave is a variant of Maeve, an Anglicized form of the Irish name Medb, meaning "intoxicating" in Irish. This name is deeply rooted in Irish mythology, associated with the legendary Queen Medb (anglicized as Maeve) of Connacht, a prominent figure in the Ulster Cycle. Medb is depicted as a strong-willed, ambitious, and cunning warrior queen who instigated the Táin Bó Cúailnge (The Cattle Raid of Cooley) to steal Ulster's prized stud bull, Donn Cúailnge. Her spouse in the central tales is King Ailill mac Máta, though she had several previous husbands who also ruled Connacht.
The name Medb is believed by some scholars to be a manifestation of the sovereignty goddess, symbolizing kingship and the land. Over time, the name evolved through different spellings: Méabh, Maeve, Mave, and Meadhbh are all variants. Meave, with its distinctive spelling, is a less common form that retains the phonetic character of the original Irish name while fitting English orthographic conventions.
Today, Meave (along with Maeve) is primarily used in Irish and English-speaking communities, reflecting a revival of traditional Gaelic names. Its mythic associations give it a sense of strength and timelessness, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with deep cultural heritage and powerful legendary roots.
- Meaning: Variant spelling of Maeve, ultimately from Medb meaning "intoxicating"
- Origin: Irish variant of Maeve
- Usage: Irish, English
- Type: First name, female
Sources: Wikipedia — Medb