Mael

Mael is a Breton name associated with the meaning “chief” or “prince.” In French it is often written Maël, with the two dots indicating that the neighboring vowels are pronounced separately. The Breton name has a long history, including a saintly association, rather than being a recent invention based on English names such as Miles.

Some Spanish-speaking families also use Mael as a shortening of Ismael; that is a separate route with a different underlying meaning. Likewise, similar-looking elements in Irish names should not be treated as proof of the Breton name’s origin. For parents, the main practical decision is whether to retain the diaeresis and how to introduce their preferred pronunciation in an English-speaking setting.