MallowbyNames

Maile

MY-lee · A Hawaiian name referring to a fragrant native vine (Alyxia stellata) used in traditional leis.

2025 rank (girls)
#4,265
Babies named in 2025
33
Peak popularity
2003
2025 frequency
1 in 48,705 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 2016

Rising since 2016, #4,265 for girls today.

Popularity of Maile since 1919

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

51103154192019602000Most births 2007Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1910s5
1920s28
1930s28
1940s64
1950s92
1960s209
1970s477
1980s490
1990s527
2000s1,202
2010s389
2020s169

Meaning & origin

Maile is a Hawaiian nature name drawn from the māile vine, a plant prized for its sweetly fragrant leaves. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1919, but it truly gained traction in the late 20th century, peaking in popularity in 2003. As of 2025, it ranks 4,265 nationally, with a frequency of about 1 in 48,705 newborns. The name has been rising in use since 2016, reflecting a growing appreciation for Hawaiian culture and place-based names. Its strongest associations remain in Hawaii and California, where it ranks among the top states for the name. Maile offers a melodic alternative to more common floral names like Leilani, though it remains relatively rare outside of the islands.

Maile is a Hawaiian name taken from the māile vine, a plant endemic to the Hawaiian Islands whose fragrant leaves are woven into leis and used in ceremonies. The name became part of the Hawaiian lexicon as a given name during the 20th century, reflecting a broader trend of using nature-based Hawaiian words as personal names. It remains most common among families with ties to Hawaii.

Where Maile is most popular

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

Sibling names for Maile

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

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

M is for Maile, our favorite little girl.

M is for Maile…”

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

Make Maile's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does Maile mean?
Maile is a Hawaiian name meaning a fragrant vine used in traditional leis.
How popular is the name Maile?
In 2025, Maile ranked 4,265 in the U.S., with about 1 in 48,705 babies given the name.
Is Maile a boy's or girl's name?
Maile is primarily a girl's name.