Maelin first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Maelin has been for the last 27 years (from 1997 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Maelin

A feminine name of Welsh origin meaning "kind and gentle".

Popularity of Maelin by gender

Based on the last 27 years of data, Maelin is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 10 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Maelin.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 0 10
2022 0 9
2021 0 14
2020 0 13
2019 0 12
2018 0 14
2017 0 15
2016 0 16
2015 0 9
2014 0 21
2013 0 17
2012 0 12
2011 0 12
2010 0 11
2009 0 12
2008 0 9
2007 0 18
2006 0 7
2005 0 9
2004 0 7
2003 0 14
2001 0 6
2000 0 5
1998 0 6
1997 0 6

The history of the first name Maelin

The name Maelin is a unique and intriguing one, with roots that can be traced back to ancient Celtic cultures. Its origins lie in the Gaelic language, where it is believed to be a combination of the elements "mael" and "lín," which together translate to mean "tonsured warrior" or "bald fighter."

In the early medieval period, the name Maelin was prevalent among the Celtic tribes that inhabited the British Isles, particularly in regions like Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. It was a name often bestowed upon warriors and chieftains, as it carried connotations of strength, bravery, and resilience.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Maelin can be found in the ancient Irish annals, specifically in the Annals of Ulster, which date back to the 5th century AD. These annals mention a warrior named Maelin mac Báetáin, who was a prominent figure in the Kingdom of Dál Riata, an ancient Scottish kingdom located in modern-day Argyll.

Throughout the centuries, the name Maelin has been borne by several notable individuals. In the 8th century, there was Maelin mac Failbhe, a renowned Irish scholar and abbot of the monastery of Inishcaltra in County Clare. Another significant figure was Maelin Óg Ó Maoil Chonaire, a 14th-century Irish poet and bard who composed numerous works in the bardic tradition.

Moving forward in history, the name Maelin also found its way into the literary world. In the 19th century, there was Maelin Forbes, a Scottish author and playwright who was born in 1825 and is best known for her works such as "Pembroke: A Novel" and "Bridal Bells."

In the realm of science, Maelin Pickering, an American astronomer born in 1905, made significant contributions to the study of variable stars and the development of astronomical photometry techniques.

Lastly, Maelin Malkin, a Russian-born American artist and sculptor, who lived from 1923 to 2015, gained recognition for her abstract expressionist works and public art installations.

While the name Maelin may not be as widespread as some others, it carries a rich tapestry of history and cultural significance, reflecting the valor and creativity of those who have borne it throughout the ages.

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 Maelin was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!

"Maelin first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on April 27, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/maelin-meaning-and-history/.

"Maelin first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/maelin-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 27 April, 2025

Maelin first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/maelin-meaning-and-history/.

Search for a name

Search for a first or last name to learn more about its origin, meaning, and more.

Simple as that.