Maili

Meaning & origin

Maili first appeared on the U.S. baby name charts in 1977, but remained extremely rare for decades. Its peak was in 2004, when it ranked highest in usage, likely influenced by the similar name Miley, which gained prominence with pop star Miley Cyrus. Since 2005, Maili's usage has been steadily falling. As of 2025, it was given to roughly 1 in 321,453 babies, making it an uncommon choice. The name has no strong regional concentration and never appeared among top-naming states. Its origins are debated between an English variant of Miley and a Hawaiian name meaning 'calm', though neither is firmly established. For parents seeking a short, melodic name that stands out, Maili offers a gentle sound with a modern feel.

Maili is a modern name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Miley, a name popularized by singer Miley Cyrus, itself a diminutive of Emily or derived from the Irish surname O'Maille. Alternatively, Maili could be a Hawaiian name meaning 'calm' or 'still', though this derivation is not widely attested. The name saw a spike in usage in the United States in 2004, likely influenced by Miley Cyrus's rise to fame, and has since declined in popularity.