MallowbyNames

Maelys

MAY-lees · Probably a feminine form of the Breton name Maël, meaning 'chief' or 'prince'.

2025 rank (girls)
#2,607
Babies named in 2025
66
Peak popularity
2025
2025 frequency
1 in 24,353 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 2010

Rising since 2010, #2,607 for girls today.

Popularity of Maelys since 2008

Babies named Maelys per year in U.S. Social Security records.

22446620102020Most births 2025Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
2000s12
2010s94
2020s163

Meaning & origin

Maelys is a modern feminine name of Breton and French origin, likely derived from Maël, meaning 'chief' or 'prince'. First recorded in the United States in 2008, the name has risen steadily in popularity. In 2025, it ranked 2607th, with a 1-in-24353 incidence, and its peak year to date is 2025. The name has an upward trajectory, growing since 2010. Its top states include New York, Texas, and Florida. Maelys fits a trend of soft, melodic names with a French flair, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive yet elegant choice.

Maelys is a modern feminine name derived from the Breton name Maël, which is itself from the Old Breton element 'mael' meaning 'chief' or 'prince'. The name emerged in France in the late 20th century and has gained popularity as a stylish, melodic choice. It is often considered a variant of Maëlle or a blend of Maëlle and the popular -ys suffix.

Where Maelys is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Fewermore per 100k girlstoo few births

Maelys” around the world

Where Maelys lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • France

    420

    babies in 2024

  • Quebec

    27

    babies in 2025

Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Mae, Lys, Maly

Variants: Maëlys, Maylis, Maëlyse

Sibling names for Maelys

Names that share Maelys's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

M is for Maelys, our favorite little girl.

M is for Maelys…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Maelys's letter becomes Maelys's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Maelys's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Maelys mean?
Maelys is likely a feminine form of the Breton name Maël, meaning 'chief' or 'prince'.
How popular is Maelys currently?
In 2025, Maelys ranked 2607th in the United States, with about 1 in 24,353 newborn girls given the name. Its popularity has been rising since 2010.
Is Maelys a boy's or girl's name?
Maelys is almost exclusively used as a feminine name.