The name Maylis is of French origin, deriving from the old French name Madeleine, which in turn comes from the Hebrew name Migdal, meaning "tower" or "fortress." The name Maylis emerged as a variant of Madeleine during the Middle Ages, around the 12th or 13th century, particularly in the southern regions of France.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Maylis can be found in the 13th-century text "Le Roman de la Rose," written by Guillaume de Lorris and Jean de Meun. In this influential literary work, a character named Maylis is mentioned, suggesting that the name was in use during that period.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Maylis. One example is Maylis de Tende (1495-1553), a French noblewoman from the House of Tende, who played a significant role in the Italian Wars of the 16th century. Another historical figure was Maylis de Villiers (1572-1631), a French noble and courtier during the reign of King Henry IV.

In the realm of arts and literature, Maylis Besserie (1898-1981) was a French painter and illustrator known for her works depicting scenes from Parisian life. Additionally, Maylis de Kerangal (born 1967) is a contemporary French novelist and playwright, renowned for her novels "Birth of a Bridge" and "Repair."

Maylis Milhau (1905-1959) was a French resistance fighter during World War II, recognized for her bravery and contributions to the French Resistance against the German occupation. She was awarded the Croix de Guerre for her courageous actions.

It is worth noting that while the name Maylis has its roots in the French language and culture, it has also gained some popularity in other parts of the world, particularly in regions with historical French influences or connections. However, its usage remains relatively uncommon compared to more widespread names.