MaelMaël
/MA-el/
Mael is a Breton boy's name pronounced /MA-el/. A noble and gentle name meaning prince or chieftain.
Meaning of Mael
A noble and gentle name meaning prince or chieftain.
Mael is derived from the Old Breton word 'mael', which translates to 'prince', 'chief', or 'lord'. It has roots in the Celtic word 'maglos', historically signifying high status or nobility within Breton and Irish leadership structures.
- Origin
- Breton
- Pronunciation
- /MA-el/
Cultural background
The name remains highly popular in Brittany and throughout modern France, consistently ranking among the top names for boys since the early 2000s. While historically male, the feminine version Maëlle is also a common fixture in French-speaking regions.
Variations & nicknames
- Maël
- Maelan
- Maelig
- Malo
- Meal
Famous people named Mael
Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.
Saint Mael
A 5th-century Breton saint and hermit who accompanied Saint Cadfan to Wales.
Religion · 5th-6th century
Maël Davril
French professional footballer who plays as a defender.
Sport · 2000s-present
Maël Rannou
Prominent French comic book author, editor, and critic.
Literature · 2010s-present
Mael
An ancient and powerful vampire character in Anne Rice's The Vampire Chronicles.
Literature · 1988-present
Maël Lebrun
French professional basketball player.
Sport · 2010s-present
Frequently asked about Mael
- What does Mael mean?
- Mael is a Breton name meaning 'prince', 'chieftain', or 'lord', originating from the Celtic word for nobility.
- How do you pronounce Mael?
- In its original French and Breton context, it is typically pronounced 'mah-EL'.
- Is Mael a boy or girl name?
- Mael is traditionally a masculine name. The feminine equivalent is typically spelled Maëlle.
- Is Mael a rare name?
- While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it is extremely popular in France and Brittany, often appearing in top 10 baby name lists.
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