Mael
How to say it: mah-EL · /maˈɛl/
From Breton/Welsh 'mael' meaning 'prince, chief' - ancient Celtic name revived in France.
Mael was the 992nd most popular boys’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 195 babies (Social Security Administration). The 2020s are its busiest decade so far, its births are up 5.3-fold in ten years, and it is projected to rise to #461 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among boys’ names, 2025 | #992 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 195 |
| Share of births | 1 in 17,001 |
| Peak decade | 2020s |
| Change over 10 years | ×5.3 |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #461 |
| In France, 2025 | #12 among boys’ names, 2,860 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Lately is when Mael truly began in America. The 2020s serve as its peak so far, with continued rise on the horizon.
What goes with it
Low and soft to the ear, with a mellow flow. Ronan makes a harmonious companion.
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Mael is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English, French, Irish, Welsh.
In France: #12 for boys in 2025.
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