Maela
Meaning of Maela
Maela, a feminine given name of Breton origin deriving from the masculine Maël (‘chief’ or ‘prince’), is phonetically attested in French as may-LAH (/me.la/) and retains this pronunciation—commonly rendered as MAY-lah in English contexts. In the United States, its recorded usage first appeared with seven newborns in 2002 (rank 896) and has fluctuated near the lower tier of the Social Security Administration’s top 1000 before climbing to 70 occurrences in 2024 (rank 880). This gradual ascent—far from a sudden spike—reflects parental preference for names that balance cultural resonance with concise phonetic clarity. Structurally, Maela comprises two syllables with final stress, a pattern that enhances intelligibility while preserving its Celtic heritage and implicit leadership connotations. Though still relatively uncommon, its steady upward trend suggests an enduring rather than ephemeral appeal among discerning name-seekers.
Pronunciation
French
- Pronunced as may-LAH (/me.la/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
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