Mael is the Breton name Maël, from an Old Breton word meaning "prince" or "chief". Saint Maël was a fifth-century Breton monk, and the name has been one of the most popular boys' names in France for two decades. It was practically unknown in the United States in 2000 but has climbed quickly, entering the top 1000 in 2023 at number 972 and standing at number 1104 in 2025.