What does Maelei mean and where does it come from?
Maelei is a name of Hawaiian origin, meaning 'a gift from God'. This name is often given to girls with the hope that they will bring blessings to their families. While the name is not extremely common, it reflects a deep cultural appreciation for spirituality and nature characteristic of Hawaiian na
Cultural significance
Maelei has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hawaiian-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a gift from god.
Peak popularity
Reached #16768 in 2012 — currently #1160 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hawaiian-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Maelei?
Maelei works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Maelei Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Maelei Rose
Floral · soft ending
Maelei Mae
Sweet · timeless
Maelei Claire
French influence · crisp
Maelei Jane
Literary · strong
Maelei Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Maelei right now?
Holding steady — currently #1160 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1160 | 1,040 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1165 | 1,020 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1170 | 990 | — |
The story of Maelei
Maelei is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2012. With 6 total births recorded, Maelei remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1170 in 2021 to #1160 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Maelei in 2012:
💎Maelei has only 6 total recorded births since 2012 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Maelei?
Common
MaeMaelMaelieMaelyElei
What names sound and feel like Maelei?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Maelei also consider these
Common questions about the name Maelei
What does the name Maelei mean?
Maelei means "A gift from God" — a name rooted in Hawaiian tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Maelei?
Maelei is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Maelei?
Maelei originates from Hawaiian tradition. Hawaiian names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Maelei a common or rare name?
Maelei is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
What are good nicknames for Maelei?
Maelei naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.