Baby Names That Start With M: 40 Girl & Boy Names With Meanings
M names are gentle and warm, thanks to the soft, humming sound at the start. This list gathers 40 names that start with M, from perennial favourites like Mia and Matthew to lesser-known gems like Marlowe and Magnus.
Reviewed
Each entry gives the meaning, origin and a short note. Where scholars disagree about an origin, as with Miles, Milo and Monica, we say so. Names are grouped by gender and ordered roughly from classic to distinctive.
Our top picks
Girl names (20)
- MabelLatinlovableA vintage charmer with a bright sound.
- MadelineHebrew / Greekof Magdala (the town of Mary Magdalene)Romantic and French in feel; nicknames Maddie and Lina.
- MaeveIrishshe who intoxicates (from Medb)A legendary Irish queen; crisp and modern.
- MagnoliaLatinthe magnolia flower (named after botanist Pierre Magnol)A southern-feeling flower name.
- MaisieScottishpearl (pet form of Margaret)Sweet, spirited and very British.
- MargaretGreekpearlA timeless classic with many nicknames.
- MargotFrenchpearl (from Marguerite)Chic and short.
- MariaHebrew (Miriam)uncertain; the meaning of Miriam is debatedOne of the most widely used names in the world.
- MarinaLatinof the seaBreezy and mellifluous.
- MarloweEnglishremnants of a lake (a surname)Literary and gender-flexible.
- MatildaGermanicmighty in battleA storybook favourite with the nickname Tilly.
- MayaSanskritillusion, magic (also 'mother' in Greek)Short and international, with several meanings.
- MelodyGreeksongA musical word name.
- MercyEnglishcompassionA virtue name, soft and sincere.
- MiaItalian / Scandinavianmine (Italian); also a short form of MariaShort and sweet; a top girls' name for years.
- MilaSlavicdear, graciousLight and very international.
- MillieGermanicgentle strength (from Mildred or Emily)A cheerful vintage nickname.
- MirabelLatinwonderfulFairy-tale pretty.
- MirandaLatinadmirableInvented by Shakespeare for 'The Tempest'.
- MollyIrish / Englisha pet form of MaryFriendly and cheerful.
Boy names (17)
- MagnusLatingreatA Scandinavian king's name with a regal feel.
- MalachiHebrewmy messengerBiblical, soft and distinctive.
- MalcolmGaelicdisciple of Saint ColumbaA Scottish king's name; solid and bookish.
- MarcusLatindedicated to MarsA classic Roman name with a modern sound.
- MarkLatindedicated to MarsThe Gospel writer; short and dependable.
- MartinLatinof MarsA steady classic across Europe.
- MasonEnglishstoneworkerA popular surname-name for boys.
- MateoSpanishgift of God (Spanish form of Matthew)A widely used US boys' name, light and lyrical.
- MatthewHebrewgift of GodA classic apostle's name with the nickname Matt.
- MaverickEnglishunbranded calf; an independent personBold and modern.
- MaxLatingreatest (from Maximus)Short, energetic and very popular.
- MaxwellScottishMaccus's streamA smart-sounding long form of Max.
- MicahHebrewwho is like God?Soft and biblical.
- MichaelHebrewwho is like God?An archangel's name and a longtime favourite.
- MilesUncertainuncertain; possibly 'soldier' or 'merciful'Cool and jazzy, thanks to Miles Davis.
- MiloGermanicuncertain; possibly 'soldier' or 'merciful'Friendly and storybook-like.
- MosesHebrew / Egyptianuncertain; usually 'drawn out' or 'son'A leader's name with a strong, simple sound.
Unisex names (3)
- MarleyEnglishpleasant woodlandRelaxed and musical.
- MorganWelshsea-born or sea-circle (debated)Legendary through Arthurian tales.
- MonroeIrish / Scottishmouth of the River RoePresidential and chic.
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How to choose
M names are famously easy to say
The soft 'm' sound is one of the first a baby makes, and M names (Mia, Max, Mila, Milo) are easy for toddlers and for speakers of other languages. If you want a name that travels well, M is a good letter.
Mind the Mary connection
Many M girls' names are forms of Mary (Maria, Molly, Maisie, Marion, Mae) or Margaret (Maisie, Margot). Knowing the family helps you choose a distinctive one and spot what you may already have in your family tree.
Think about shortening
Matilda gives you Tilly and Mattie, Maximilian gives you Max, Michael gives you Mike and Mick. Choose the full form you love, and enjoy the nicknames you get with it.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most popular baby names that start with M?
Mia, Maya and Mila are popular for girls, while Mateo, Mason, Matthew and Michael are popular for boys.
What are unique baby names that start with M?
Marlowe, Mirabel, Magnus, Malachi and Maverick are distinctive but easy to say.
What are gender-neutral baby names that start with M?
Marley, Morgan, Monroe and Micah are all used for any gender.
What is a short baby name that starts with M?
Mia, Max, Mila and Mark are among the shortest, and each has a clear meaning.
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