Mealla is a unique and beautiful name of Irish origin. It is derived from the ancient Irish language word "mael," which means "chief" or "prince." The name has been used in Ireland for centuries, and it was particularly popular among the early Celtic kings and warriors.
The name Mealla is believed to have been brought to Ireland by the Gaelic conquerors who arrived on the island around the 5th century AD. Over time, the name evolved and became more associated with females, although it can still be used for both boys and girls today.
Mealla was often given to daughters of Irish kings or nobles as a way to honor their high status and royal lineage. Some famous historical figures bearing this name include Mealla Bhán, who was the wife of the legendary High King of Ireland, Brian Boru, and Mealla Ruaidh, who was a daughter of the High King of Connacht.
While Mealla is not as common today as it once was in Ireland, it remains a distinctive and regal name that carries with it a rich history and cultural heritage. It is often spelled variations such as Meallán or Maelí, but its meaning remains consistent across all forms: "prince" or "chief.
Here are some interesting statistics about the name Mealla in the United States:
In recent years, the popularity of the name Mealla has been quite consistent but relatively low. In 2020, there were 6 births registered with this name, followed by 5 in 2021, and then a slight increase to 6 again in 2022. Interestingly, the number of newborns named Mealla jumped up to 7 in 2023.
Over these four years combined (from 2020 to 2023), there were a total of 24 births registered with the name Mealla in the United States. This represents a steady but modest presence on the national baby-naming scene.