"a fragrant native Hawaiian vine"
Origin: Hawaiian
Language: Hawaiian
Maile
Pronunciation: [ m-AYL ]
Does Maile flow with your last name?
Named for Hawaii's sacred fragrant vine
Hawaiian
Polynesian
Earthy
Unique
Elegant
Spiritual
Whimsical
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"sacred ceremonial plant"
Origin: Polynesian tradition
Language: Hawaiian
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The Story of Maile
Maile is a name derived directly from the maile plant (Alyxia oliviformis), a fragrant native Hawaiian vine that grows in the forests of the Hawaiian Islands. The maile vine holds deep sacred significance in Hawaiian culture and has been used for centuries in lei-making for ceremonies, weddings, and celebrations. By naming a daughter Maile, Hawaiian families connect her to this living symbol of nature, fragrance, and divine blessing.
Maile has grown in popularity beyond Hawaii as interest in indigenous Hawaiian culture has expanded. The name benefits from its similarity in sound to fashionable names like Miley and Kaylee while carrying genuine cultural depth that sets it apart.
The maile vine is considered sacred in Hawaiian tradition and is associated with Laka, the goddess of hula. Maile leis are used in the most important ceremonies including weddings, graduations, and dedications of new buildings.
Historical Record
Maile first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 3,522 babies have been named Maile in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Maile is past its peak , currently ranked #4,600 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The maile plant is used in lei-making for some of Hawaii's most sacred ceremonies
- Maile leis are traditionally given to honor graduates, newlyweds, and distinguished guests in Hawaiian culture
Maile in Other Languages
Samoan
Maile
Tongan
Maile
Japanese
マイレ
Popularity Over Time
#4,600
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 2003
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Maile
M
Maile Flanagan
Actor
1965
American actress and voice actress known for voicing Naruto Uzumaki in the Naruto anime series
M
Maile Meloy
Writer
American novelist and short story writer known for Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,600
- Total SSA Count
- 30
- Cultural Origins
- Hawaiian Polynesian
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mai
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, earthy style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, elegant style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, spiritual style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, elegant style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Maile
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Maile
What does the name Maile mean?
"a fragrant native Hawaiian vine" (from Hawaiian). "sacred ceremonial plant" (from Polynesian tradition). Maile is a name derived directly from the maile plant (Alyxia oliviformis), a fragrant native Hawaiian vine that grows in the forests of the Hawaiian Islands. The maile vine holds deep sacred significance in Hawaiian culture and has been used for centuries in lei-making for ceremonies, weddings, and celebrations. By naming a daughter Maile, Hawaiian families connect her to this living symbol of nature, fragrance, and divine blessing.
What is the origin of the name Maile?
Maile has Hawaiian, Polynesian tradition, and Polynesian origins. In Hawaiian, it means "a fragrant native Hawaiian vine". In Polynesian tradition, it means "sacred ceremonial plant".
Is Maile a boy or girl name?
Maile is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Maile?
Maile is pronounced m-AYL.
How popular is the name Maile?
Maile is currently ranked #4600 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Maile?
Common nicknames for Maile include Mai.
What are good middle names for Maile?
Popular middle name pairings include Maile Rose, Maile Lani, Maile Grace, Maile Ann, Maile Jade, and Maile Pearl.
What are good sibling names for Maile?
Names that pair well with Maile as siblings include Kai, Leilani, Nalu, Hoku, Keahi, Malia, Akela, and Koa.
How many syllables does Maile have?
Maile has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Maile a common or rare name?
Maile is an uncommon name, ranked #4600 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Maile?
About the Name Maile
Maile is a girl name with Hawaiian and Polynesian origins . The name means "a fragrant native Hawaiian vine" in Hawaiian .
Maile is currently ranked #4,600 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Maile has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-AYL, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Maile include Mai. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Maile include Mailani, Mailen, Maila, Mailyn, Maily . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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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