Chief or princess
Maelys is a modern feminine form of the Breton name Mael. It is derived from the Celtic word 'mael', which translates to 'chief' or 'prince', making this the feminine equivalent. It has seen a significant rise in popularity in France since the early 2000s.
About 66 girls were named Maelys in 2025.
Subject of a high-profile French legal case
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
