Maylands was named by William Wadham (who married Jane Cooper circa 1852 in Adelaide) and Luke M Cullen, early settlers who sold the land that made up the original town in 1876.

Maylands consists of mostly medium density residential properties, predominantly in an east–west elevation with most streets in the suburb oriented north–south.

Unlike Stepney, to Maylands' west, the dwellings are usually larger with some remaining homes attached to small market gardens.

One of the most notable landmarks includes the Maylands Hotel, which is located opposite Cruickshank Reserve on the south eastern corner of the Phillis and Clifton Streets intersection.

The hotel remains whereas the Tip-Top Bakery site on the south-western corner of the same intersection was demolished and replaced by townhouses.