English Names

Medieval nickname for Mary that became a surname and then the name of a hotel chain, making it an unlikely modern choice for either gender.

Mariott

Poetic and intriguing, Marivella possibly emerged as a variation of the Spanish Marivillas, a name inspired by one of many titles for the Virgin Mary, in this case, Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas "Our Lady of Wonders". Alternatively, it might come from the English Marvella, an elaboration of the word "Marvel", meaning either way, this name has a miraculous and wonderful air about it.

Marivella

 A rare compound name, blending two mid-century favorites, Markwayne is notably borne by American politician Markwayne Mullin. Named for his two paternal uncles, he is likely one of only a handful of Markwaynes to be born, given that it has never appeared in the US stats and global records show that only a small number have ever been registered in the Philippines.  As such, it might feel like a "one-person-name" in the US, at least. 

Markwayne

Marlboro is one of those names that could, in theory, be very cool: it has the sounds of Marley and Marlowe, it fits into the last names as first names category, and has a touch of edgy cowboy energy about it. However, in reality, Marlboro is tied so heavily to the American cigarette company that it is probably best reserved for a fictional character (or the middle spot, if it's a family name). 
 
The name is derived from Old English, lending it several possible meanings. If it is taken from the English town of Marlborough, it means "Mǣrla's hill", Mǣrla being an Old English given name, related to Merlin. Alternatively, however, it could mean "clay and lime hill" in reference to the earthy substance of marl, or it could mean "pleasant hill", "hill by the boundary", or "lake by the hill", depending on which root to "Marl" you follow.

Marlboro

Sounds like an authentic upper-crust family name -- not necessarily a bad thing. 

Mead

A surname-style choice that could work as an alternative to Madison, Marceline, Arden, and Eden, Marsden is a topographical name referring to someone who lived near the boundary of a valley. While it has only appeared in the US stats for boys as yet, it has notably been used by content creator and podcaster Amala Ekpunobi for her daughter in 2026 – and it isn't impossible to imagine other parents following the same idea.
 
Nicknames Mars and Marcy might work too.

Marsden

Rather than going with a yooneek spelling like Macen (or Maysen or Masyn), we'd suggest sticking with the original Mason, as Kelsey Grammer did for his daughter.

Macen

A sweet choice for a pet, and an endearing 'at-home' nickname for a little Marlowe, Marla, or Martha, Marshmallow is associated with the soft, chewy confectionaries that you might toast over a campfire. These sweet treats were inspired by the medicinal mixture made from the marsh-mallow plant (Althaea officinalis), originally used to treat coughs.
 
Technically then, Marshmallow might be considered a floral name, though you'd probably be better off saving it for a pet name (in both senses of the term).

Marshmallow

A clunky-cute member of the Madeline-Magdalene-Maude family, which perfectly blends all three together. With sweet nicknames Maudie, Leni, and Laney, the name ultimately derives from Aramaic, meaning "from Magdala", or more literally, "of the high tower". Other spellings include Maudelen, Maudelyn, and Maudeleyn. 

Maudelene

Historically, the name gained significance in the Netherlands through Maurice of Nassau (Maurits van Nassau), a key military leader during the Dutch Revolt against Spain in the 16th-17th centuries. While primarily found in the Netherlands and occasionally in Flemish-speaking parts of Belgium, Maurits remains a name with strong Dutch cultural associations. Though less common than international variants like Maurice, Morris, or Moritz, the name continues to be used in Dutch families, often to honor family traditions or historical connections.

Maurits

A twist on Madeline, a spin on Maybelline, or an elaboration of Maeve, Mavis, or Maven, Maveline contains plenty of stylish sounds that may appeal to contemporary parents. Pronounced as MAV-uh-line (or leen or lynn) or MAYV-uh-line (or leen or lynn), it may catch on as a way to expand a shorter name. 

Maveline

Peg is a nostalgic turn-of-the-last-century nickname, sociable but slight. Like near-identical twin Peggy, Peg is in mothballs. 

In the style of Winifred or Solfrid, Mayfred feels both fresh and ancient. It may be an Anglicization of the Scandinavian Majfrid, which blends fríðr meaning "beautiful" with Maj, the Swedish and Danish word for the month of May, along with a variation of Maia ("mother") and Maria ("bitter, beloved"). As such, it could be interpreted as meaning "beautiful May", "beautiful mother", or "beautiful and beloved".
 
Alternatively, it may be considered an English compound name, blending the Germanic frrid with either the Spring-time month name, or with the Old English mægð. This would give you the meanings "peaceful May" and "maiden of peace, peaceful kinswoman" respectively.

Mayfred

If Millicent feels too clunky, Melissa too dated, and Amelia too popular, you could consider this ultra rare alternative. Ultimately from the Gothic name, Amalaswintha, meaning "strong in work" or more literally, "brave, unceasing, and strong", the Normans adapted it into Melisent or Melisende, which then became Anglicized as Millicent. 
 
As such, Melesina borrows from the Norman form, to make a unique but wearable option. Borne by Melesina Trench, an 18th century Irish writer and poet who recorded her experiences with famous figures of the period, it's a one-of-a-kind option, which also offers nicknames Millie, Mina, Minnie, and Mela.
 
Another possible source of the name is form Melusine, a mythological name associated with a water fairy who turned into a serpent once a week.

Melesina

An old form of Millicent, brought over to England by the Normans, along with Melisent and Melisende. Ultimately, they come from Amalaswintha, a Gothic name meaning "strong in work" or "vigorous, brave, and strong". 

Melicent

Melisende, the mellifluous name of a 12th century queen of Jerusalem, gave rise to the more modern Millicent, after it was brought to England by the Normans. Ultimately, it comes from the Gothic name, Amalaswintha, meaning "strong in work" or "vigorous, brave, and strong". 
 
Also appearing as Melisent, Melicent, and Malasintha, it's more related to Amelia than to Melissa, despite appearances. The French form, Melisande, is a fairy tale heroine.

Melisende

Derived from the Gothic name, Amalaswintha, this form was brought to England by the Normans, though it was later adapted into the variation we know better today: Millicent. This form may remind people of Melissa, though they aren't related. 

Melisent

A sweet, cosy nickname that may appeal to those who like Mimi, Clem, Jem, Leni, and Em, Mem has been used historically as a nickname for the Puritan names Remember and Remembrance, but it has also been used for Merritt, Marrion, Memphis, Miriam, and Emmeline. A unisex choice that leans masculine in Portuguese, it has very occasionally been used as a full name, as in the case of actor Mem Ferda. 

As an English nickname, Mem is a vintage choice that may appeal to fans of Jem, Kip, and Len. It has been used historically as a short form a variety of names including the Remember, Mehmet, Merritt, Marion, and Emmett, though it has been occasionally used as a full name, as in the case of actor Mem Ferda and musician Mem Shannon.
 
As a Portuguese choice, Mem is used as an alternative to Mendo, a name that might relate to the historical Hermenegildo meaning "great tribute" or "immense compensation" . It has been notably borne by a 16th governor-general of Portugal (Mem de Sá).

A magical Anglo-Saxon choice, Mereswyth combines the Old English mere ("sea") with swiþ ("strong") to form a name that reflects the power of the ocean. It could make a cool choice for writers looking for something bold but with sweet nickname Meri. 
 
The name can also be spelled as Mereswith.

Mereswyth

English names -- names originating in the English language -- rank among the top names in the US, the UK, and other English-speaking countries, along with such European countries as Sweden, Germany, and France.

 in the US Top 300 include Georgia, Juliet, Lily and Olive for girls, and Emmett, Miles, Oscar, and William for boy.

 include Alfie, Lily, Edward, and Ella. In Sweden, the English girls' name Alice ranks near the top of the list, while the English boys' nickname Tom is fashionable in France.



Less conventional English names that rank highly in the US include, for girls, Kendall, Kinsley, Madison, Marley, Peyton, Presley, Sutton, Willow, Winter and Wren, For boys, this group includes Archer, Brooks, Carter, Fletcher, Graham, Huxley, Mason, Reed, Sawyer, and Wilder.

 that carry a lot of style value include, for girls, Araminta, Arden, Azalea, Birdie, Blythe, Clover, Lilac, Lavender, Posey, and Waverly. For boys, unique English names to consider include Birch, Booker, Dane, Garrison, Hale, Kit, Oberon, Shaw, Tobin, and Winston.



Our collection of English baby names also includes surname names such as Lancaster and Huffington, nature names such as River and Marigold, English word names such as Love and Journey, along with place names like Devon and occupational names such as Driver.



Browse Nameberry's complete range of English names for girls and boys, continued, below, or consult our individual lists of 

. The English origin names below are ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry.

English names including girl names and boy names of English origin from the English language and culture (Page 103)

1450+ English Names (with Meanings & Popularity)