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Home › Baby Names Directory › Maelis

Maelis

♀ Girl

Pronounced may-LEES /meɪˈliːs/Medium

Meaning: A Breton name, often linked to the element 'mael' ('prince; chief') seen across Breton names, though its second element and full meaning are uncertain. Popular in France; read here as a Breton girl's name.Low

In 30 seconds: A graceful Breton name: Maelis likely draws on 'mael' (prince, chief), though its elements are uncertain (said 'may-LEES'). Rare and lyrical.
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Origin LowBreton
MeaningA Breton name, often linked to the element 'mael' ('prince; chief') seen across Breton names, though its second element and full meaning are uncertain. Popular in France; read here as a Breton girl's name.
U.S. rank (2025)#2739 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births63 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 78

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202520132025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Maelis (Maelys) is a Breton name, generally connected to the element 'mael' ('prince; chief') found across Breton naming; the second element is uncertain, which we note. Well used in France, it is rare in the U.S. (said 'may-LEES').

In the U.S. it appears only rarely, mostly in French-connected families. Rare, Breton, and lyrical.

Did you know? Maelis is a Breton name popular in France, usually tied to 'mael' ('prince; chief'); its full meaning is uncertain, which we note. It reads as an airy, French-flavored pick (said 'may-LEES').
Overall data confidence 40%
References — Maelis — Breton name; 'mael' element; full meaning uncertain

Variations

MaelysMaelisseMailys

Nicknames

MaeLise

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Maelis…

Maelys— a spelling twin of the same name
Anais— a like French girls' pick
Maeve— a like Mae- opening name
Elise— a like soft French -ise ending

Explore names like Maelis

By themeuncertainfrenchlyricalbreton
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Frequently Asked

What does the name Maelis mean?

Maelis is a Breton name often tied to 'mael' ('prince; chief'); its full meaning is uncertain, which we note.

How do you pronounce Maelis?

It's said may-LEES /meɪˈliːs/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Maelis a boy or girl name?

Maelis is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Maelis?

Maelis is a very rare name in the U.S.

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