UK girl's name
Mayve
A variant spelling of the Spanish name Maeve meaning "the cause of great joy".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2024. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Mayve is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Mayve popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2024 in this profile. In that release it ranked #4843, with 4 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2024, with 4 births.
This profile covers 4 England and Wales registrations across 1 recorded years from 2024 to 2024. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.
Mayve is at its recorded peak in the England and Wales series.
We estimate that about 4 living people in the UK are called Mayve. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2025 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Mayve ranked #4843 for girls in England and Wales in 2024, with 4 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2024, when 4 girls were registered as Mayve.
- • About 4 living people in the UK are estimated to have Mayve as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#4843
2024
Births in 2024
4
Latest year
Peak year
2024
4 births
Estimated living
4
2026
Meaning
What does Mayve mean?
The given name Mayve has its origins in the ancient Etruscan civilization, which flourished in what is now modern-day Italy between the 8th and 3rd centuries BC. It is derived from the Etruscan word "maiv," meaning "blessed" or "fortunate." This name was commonly bestowed upon newborn children as a way of wishing them a life filled with good fortune and divine favor.
In the early days of the Roman Empire, the name Mayve gained popularity among the wealthy and influential families who admired the rich cultural heritage of the Etruscans. It can be found inscribed on various artifacts and burial sites from that era, indicating its widespread use.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Mayve can be traced back to a Roman noblewoman named Mayve Caecilia, who lived during the 1st century AD. She was renowned for her philanthropy and her dedication to the arts, and her name became associated with generosity and cultural patronage.
Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Mayve maintained a modest presence across various regions of Europe, particularly in Italy and parts of the Mediterranean. It was often borne by individuals from noble or aristocratic backgrounds, reflecting its prestigious Etruscan origins.
In the 14th century, a prominent Italian philosopher and scholar named Mayve Boccaccio made significant contributions to the field of literature and humanistic studies. His writings and teachings helped to revive the interest in classical Etruscan and Roman culture, further cementing the name's historical significance.
During the Renaissance period, the name Mayve gained renewed popularity, particularly among artists and intellectuals who were drawn to its ancient roots and symbolism of good fortune. One notable figure was Mayve Veronese, a renowned Venetian painter who lived from 1528 to 1588 and was celebrated for her vibrant and graceful depictions of religious and mythological subjects.
In the 18th century, Mayve Pompadour, the influential mistress of King Louis XV of France, played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural and political landscape of her time. Her patronage of the arts and her influential position at court made her a prominent figure in French history.
Another notable individual with the name Mayve was the Italian opera singer Mayve Malibran, who lived from 1808 to 1836. She was widely acclaimed for her exceptional vocal talents and her ability to captivate audiences with her powerful and emotive performances.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Decades
Mayve by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Mayve was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.
| Decade | Average rank | Total births | Years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | #4843 | 4 | 1 |
Related
Names similar to Mayve
- Megan 70,884
- Mia 67,204
- Molly 47,734
- Millie 44,390
- Maisie 32,671
- Matilda 29,965
- Maya 26,445
- Madison 18,441
- Maria 17,304
- Mollie 15,914
- Martha 15,116
- Maddison 14,918
FAQ
Mayve: questions and answers
How popular is the name Mayve in the UK right now?
In 2024, Mayve was ranked #4843 for girls in England and Wales, with 4 births registered.
When was Mayve most popular?
The peak year on record was 2024, with 4 babies registered as Mayve in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Mayve?
A variant spelling of the Spanish name Maeve meaning "the cause of great joy".
How many people are called Mayve in the UK?
A total of 4 babies have been registered as Mayve across the 1 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.
Which records is this page based on?
The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.