US Popularity Rank: 5365

Origin: Celtic

Meaning: Chief; Prince

Maela is a gender-neutral name endowed with the mythical sound of an ancient tongue. Old Celtic in origin, Maela stems from the Breton name Maël*,* which means "prince" or "chief." Across Celtic lands, Maela morphs and changes as it is born by kings and saints alike. It's perhaps worn best by the 10th-century high king of Ireland, Máel Sechnaill Mac Domnaill. The predecessor to Brian Boru, Máel famously won Gaelic Irish control of Dublin in 980, freeing all enslaved Gaels so they should find peace and comfort.