Find out how popular the first name Mael has been for the last 22 years (from 2002 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Mael by gender

Based on the last 22 years of data, Mael is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 224 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Mael.

The history of the first name Mael

The name Mael has its origins in the Brittonic Celtic languages, particularly the Breton language spoken in Brittany, France. It likely emerged sometime between the 5th and 10th centuries AD. The name is derived from the Breton word "mail," which means "prince" or "chieftain."

In medieval Breton literature, the name Mael appears as a character in several stories and legends. The most notable example is the tale of Mael Duin, a legendary voyager who embarked on an epic sea journey in the 7th century. This tale is part of the Immrama, a genre of medieval Irish literature that recounts the adventures of those who set sail from Ireland.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Mael can be found in Breton and Welsh genealogies from the 9th and 10th centuries. One of the earliest known individuals with this name was Mael Brigte, a Breton nobleman and warrior who lived in the early 9th century.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Mael. One of the most famous was Mael Muad mac Brain (died 983), an Irish king of theUI Neill dynasty who ruled as High King of Ireland in the late 10th century. Another notable bearer of the name was Mael Brigde mac Torcaill (died 975), an Irish cleric who served as the Archbishop of Armagh from 967 until his death.

In Scotland, the name Mael was sometimes rendered as "Maol" or "Mael." One of the most prominent individuals with this spelling was Maol Chalvim I (died 1134), a Scottish king who reigned from 1058 to 1093. He was a member of the Canmore dynasty and played a significant role in the Norman conquest of England.

In Wales, the name Mael was sometimes spelled as "Mael" or "Maelgwn." A notable figure with this spelling was Maelgwn Gwynedd (died c. 547), a king of the Britons who ruled the Kingdom of Gwynedd in the 6th century. He is mentioned in several medieval Welsh texts, including the Annales Cambriae and the Historia Brittonum.

Overall, the name Mael has a rich history and cultural significance, particularly in the Celtic regions of Britain and Ireland. Its origins can be traced back to the early medieval period, and it has been borne by numerous notable figures throughout history, including kings, warriors, and religious leaders.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Mael was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Mael, please contact us.

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