Maëlys
/ma-ay-LEES/
Maëlys is a French (Breton) girl's name pronounced /ma-ay-LEES/. A charming name of Breton origin meaning a chief or a princess.
Meaning of Maëlys
A charming name of Breton origin meaning a chief or a princess.
Maëlys is a feminine form of the Old Breton name Maël, derived from the Celtic word 'mael' which translates to 'chief', 'prince', or 'lord'. It emerged as a distinct female given name in the late 20th century, combining the traditional roots with the popular '-lys' suffix found in names like Muguet-de-lys.
- Origin
- French (Breton)
- Pronunciation
- /ma-ay-LEES/
Cultural background
The name is highly popular in France and Belgium, consistently ranking among the top names for girls since the early 2000s, particularly in Brittany.
Variations & nicknames
- Maëlys
- Maelys
- Maylys
- Maëlyne
- Maélie
- Maelly
Famous people named Maëlys
Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.
Maëlys de Araujo
A French child whose disappearance and death became a major national legal case.
Historical Figures · 2008–2017
Maëlys Meyer
A professional French artistic gymnast.
Sport · 2010s–present
Maëlys (fictional)
A central character in the 2017 French animated film 'Sahara'.
Film · 2017
Maëlys Morel
A French stage and screen actress.
Film · 1940s–2000s
Frequently asked about Maëlys
- What does Maëlys mean?
- Maëlys is of Breton origin and means 'chief', 'prince', or 'princess'.
- How do you pronounce Maëlys?
- It is typically pronounced 'mah-eh-LEES', where the diaeresis (ë) indicates that both vowels are sounded separately.
- Is Maëlys a boy or girl name?
- Maëlys is a girl's name; the masculine equivalent is Maël.
- What is the origin of the name Maëlys?
- The name originates from the Celtic and Breton languages of northwestern France.
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