Maeva
mah-AY-vah
Maeva is a name of Polynesian origin that was adopted and popularized in the French-speaking world through France's territories in the Pacific, particularly French Polynesia. In the Tahitian and Polynesian languages, maeva means welcome or she who is welcomed. The name carries a warm, inviting spirit and has been embraced in metropolitan France as an exotic yet accessible choice.
At a glance
A sunny, Polynesian-French name meaning welcome, widely used in France and its Pacific territories, with a warm and exotic charm.
Etymology & History
Maeva derives from Tahitian and other Polynesian languages, where it functions as a greeting meaning welcome. Its adoption into French naming culture is a direct result of France's long colonial and cultural ties with French Polynesia. The name entered metropolitan French usage in the latter half of the 20th century and has maintained steady popularity.
Cultural Significance
Maeva bridges French metropolitan and Pacific Islander cultures. In French Polynesia, maeva is used as a greeting and is written on signs welcoming visitors to the islands. The name thus carries an inherently hospitable and open-hearted meaning. Its use in mainland France reflects a broader embrace of names from France's overseas territories, bringing a tropical warmth into French naming traditions.
Famous people named Maeva
Maeva Méline
Maeva Danois
Frequently Asked Questions
Names like Maeva
Maelle
“Princess, chieftess”
Maelle is a Breton name derived from the Old Celtic element mael, meaning chief, prince, or leader. The feminine form Maelle thus carries the meaning of princess or chieftess. It is the feminine counterpart of the Breton name Mael and has become one of the most popular Breton names in France, beloved for its melodic sound and its connection to Celtic heritage.
Maelys
“Princess, chief”
Maelys is a Breton name derived from the Old Breton element 'mael', meaning prince, chief, or lord. The suffix 'ys' gives the name a feminine and melodic quality. Related to the Breton and Welsh word for prince used in names such as Mael and Maelgwn, the name carries connotations of nobility and leadership. Maelys has become one of the most fashionable girls' names in France and French-speaking Belgium, prized for its Celtic roots, musical sound, and feminine elegance.
Maeve
“She who intoxicates”
Maeve means 'she who intoxicates' or 'the cause of great joy,' derived from the Old Irish 'Medb.' It is the name of one of the most powerful and fascinating figures in Irish mythology, Queen Medb of Connacht.
Maia
“Mother, nurse”
In Greek mythology, Maia was the eldest and most beautiful of the seven Pleiades, the daughters of the Titan Atlas and the ocean nymph Pleione. She was the mother of Hermes, the messenger god, conceived with Zeus in a cave on Mount Cyllene. The name is thought to derive from a root meaning mother or nurse, reflecting her nurturing role. The month of May takes its name from Maia, as the Romans honoured her with sacrifices on the first day of that month.
Where you'll find Maeva
Maeva shows up in these curated collections across Namekin.