Rising since 2004, #3,028 for girls today.
Popularity of Maela since 2002
Babies named Maela per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 53 |
| 2010s | 139 |
| 2020s | 253 |
Meaning & origin
Maela is a modern name that first appeared on the U.S. Social Security list in 2002, with a current rank of 3,028 in 2025. The name has seen steady growth, rising since 2004 and reaching its peak rank in 2024. It is primarily used for girls, with approximately 1 in 29,764 female newborns receiving the name. Top states for Maela include Ohio and New York, indicating a scattered but notable presence. Its etymology is likely tied to the Breton word 'mael', meaning 'chief' or 'prince', possibly via French variants like Maëlle or Maëlys. Maela fits a trend of short, melodic names ending in 'a', appealing to parents seeking a soft yet distinctive choice. Despite its recent emergence, it has carved a niche, and its upward trajectory suggests continued growth.
Maela is likely a modern diminutive or variant of Breton names such as Maëlle or Maëlys, which derive from the Old Breton element 'mael' meaning 'chief' or 'prince'. The name has seen some use in France and among French-speaking communities. In the United States, it has been recorded since 2002, primarily as a girl's name.
Where Maela is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Maela” around the world
Where Maela lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mae, Ela, Lala
Variants: Maëla, Maela, Maëlla
Sibling names for Maela
Names that share Maela's style, for a brother or sister.
