"from Maiella, a mountain region in Italy"
Origin: Italian
Language: Italian
Majel
Majel is a girl name of Italian origin meaning "from Maiella, a mountain region in Italy." Ranked #48,991 in the US, popular nicknames include May and Maj.
Rare vintage charm with a sci-fi soul
English
American
Vintage
Unique
Pop Culture
Distinctive
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
Share
Meaning & Origin
"modern variant of Majella"
Origin: English
Language: English
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
How Does It Sound with Your Surname?
Similar to Majel
See all →What the Majel report tells you
$9Personalized to your state, siblings, and priorities. Free playground safety preview included.
Is Majel the #1 name in your state, or barely on the radar?
Enter your other kids' names. We score how well they sound together.
Downloadable PDF + nursery art
Everything in one printable report. Frame the name art.
Start with a free preview
Playground safety check is free. Full report is $9.
What do you want to do with this name?
What kind of baby name person are you?
3 minutes to find names that fit your style.
Take the Quiz
The Story of Majel
Majel is most famously associated with Majel Barrett Roddenberry, the actress who played Nurse Christine Chapel and Lwaxana Troi in Star Trek and provided the voice of the Federation computer across all Star Trek series. The name may also be a variant of Majella, derived from the Italian hamlet of Maiella and the name of Saint Gerard Majella, the 18th-century patron saint of mothers and expectant mothers.
Majel remains rare and distinctive, appealing to parents who love vintage names with unusual flair or who want a quiet nod to the beloved Star Trek actress who shaped science fiction history.
Through Majel Barrett Roddenberry, the name has become quietly iconic in science fiction culture. As the wife of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry and the only actor to appear in every Star Trek television series, her legacy makes this a meaningful choice for fans.
Historical Record
Majel first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 30 babies have been named Majel in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Majel is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #48,991 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Majel Barrett voiced the computer in nearly every Star Trek series from 1966 until her death in 2008
- Saint Gerard Majella is one of the most popular patron saints of pregnancy and childbirth
Majel in Other Languages
Irish
Maitgheall
French
Majelle
Italian
Majella
Spanish
Mayel
Popularity Over Time
#48,991
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Majel
M
Majel Barrett Roddenberry
Actor
1932
American actress famous for multiple roles in the Star Trek franchise and as the wife of creator Gene Roddenberry
S
Saint Gerard Majella
Religious
1726
Italian Catholic saint and patron of expectant mothers and unborn children
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #48,991
- Total SSA Count
- 5
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
May
Maj
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Majel
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
Premium
Check how Majel fits with existing sibling names — style, sound, and origin.
Enter sibling names above to see compatibility.
Similar Names
See all names like Majel →Compare Majel with...
Same Origin Names (English)
Names with Similar Meaning
Names that share meaning themes with Majel
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Majel and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Majel sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Names You Might Also Like
View all →
Olah
Girl
Yoruba/African origin
"Wealth, honor"
#48,969 in US
Burdette
Girl
English origin
"little bird"
#48,917 in US
Euline
Girl
Greek origin
"well-spoken, eloquent"
#48,829 in US
Otis
Girl
Old German origin
"wealthy, prosperous"
#49,052 in US
Georgeanna
Girl
Hebrew origin
"grace, favor (from Anna)"
#49,159 in US
Athlyn
Girl
American/Gaelic origin
"noble (possible Gaelic root)"
#48,794 in US
Save Your Name Card
Download a shareable image with Majel's meaning, origin, and popularity. Ready for Instagram, Pinterest, or texting to your partner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Majel
What does the name Majel mean?
"from Maiella, a mountain region in Italy" (from Italian). "modern variant of Majella" (from English). Majel is most famously associated with Majel Barrett Roddenberry, the actress who played Nurse Christine Chapel and Lwaxana Troi in Star Trek and provided the voice of the Federation computer across all Star Trek series. The name may also be a variant of Majella, derived from the Italian hamlet of Maiella and the name of Saint Gerard Majella, the 18th-century patron saint of mothers and expectant mothers.
What is the origin of the name Majel?
Majel has Italian, English, and American origins. In Italian, it means "from Maiella, a mountain region in Italy". In English, it means "modern variant of Majella".
Is Majel a boy or girl name?
Majel is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Majel?
Majel is currently ranked #48991 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Majel?
Common nicknames for Majel include May and Maj.
What are good middle names for Majel?
Popular middle name pairings include Majel Rose, Majel Grace, Majel Anne, Majel Elizabeth, and Majel Claire.
What are good sibling names for Majel?
Names that pair well with Majel as siblings include Deanna, Beverly, Guinan, Worf, and Uhura.
How many syllables does Majel have?
Majel has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Majel a common or rare name?
Majel is an uncommon name, ranked #48991 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Majel?
Are there other spellings for Majel?
Related spellings include Majesty.
About the Name Majel
Majel is a girl name with English and American origins . The name means "from Maiella, a mountain region in Italy" in Italian .
Majel is currently ranked #48,991 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Majel has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Majel include May and Maj. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Majel include Majesty . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
Keep Exploring
Italian Names
Browse all names with this origin
M
Names Starting with M
More girl names like Majel
Unique Names
Uncommon names with character
Name Personality Quiz
Find names that match your style
Name Swiper
Swipe through names, build a shortlist fast
Browse All Girl Names
Full list with filters and sorting
Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis