What does Maelin mean and where does it come from?
Maelin is a modern name that is sometimes derived from the Irish name Maolmhuire. The name is relatively new and is gaining popularity in the United States as a unique choice for baby girls. Variations of the name can be seen in different cultures, with similar sounding names like 'Mailyn' or 'Mayli
Cultural significance
Maelin has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a variant of maeve, meaning 'she who intoxicates'.
Peak popularity
Reached #6147 in 2014 — currently #10043 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Maelin?
Maelin works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Maelin Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Maelin Rose
Floral · soft ending
Maelin Mae
Sweet · timeless
Maelin Claire
French influence · crisp
Maelin Jane
Literary · strong
Maelin Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Maelin right now?
Rising fast — up 847 spots — currently #10043 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #10043 | 10 | ▲ up 847 · +11% births |
| 2022 | #10890 | 9 | ▼ down 3017 · -36% births |
| 2021 | #7873 | 14 | ▲ up 771 · +17% births |
| 2020 | #8644 | 12 | ▲ up 2704 · +33% births |
| 2015 | #11348 | 9 | ▼ down 1152 · -18% births |
| 2010 | #10196 | 11 | ▲ up 1368 · +22% births |
| 2005 | #11564 | 9 | ▲ up 5222 · +80% births |
| 2000 | #16786 | 5 | — |
The story of Maelin
Maelin is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1997. With 250 total births recorded, Maelin remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #16786 in 2000 to #10043 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Maelin in 2014:
Maelin by decade
Maelin peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1990s | 12 | |
| 2000s | 87 | |
| 2010s ★ | 139 | |
| 2020s | 12 | |
💎Maelin has only 250 total recorded births since 1997 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Maelin?
Common
MaeMaelMaelieMaelyElin
What names sound and feel like Maelin?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Maelin also consider these
Common questions about the name Maelin
What does the name Maelin mean?
Maelin means "A variant of Maeve, meaning 'she who intoxicates'" — a name rooted in American 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 Maelin?
Maelin is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Maelin?
Maelin originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Maelin a common or rare name?
Maelin is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
What are good nicknames for Maelin?
Maelin 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.