By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 143 pages
of 143
English
"descendant of Mary"
Medieval nickname for Mary that became a surname, then the name of a hotel chain, which makes it unlikely to be adopted as a baby name in modern times.
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.
Form of Maravilla or Marvella, Spanish, English
"marvel, wonder, miraculous"
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…
Combination of Mark and Wayne
"warlike + wagon"
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…
"Merlin's hill; clay and lime hill"
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…
"boundary valley"
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…
Word name
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…
Variation of Madeline and Magdalene, English, Aramaic
"of Magdala, high tower"
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…
Dutch form of Maurice, English and French from Latin
"dark-skinned"
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.…
Elaboration of Maeve, Mavis, Maven, or Mabel
"she who intoxicates; songbird; one who understands; lovable"
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…
Variation of Majfrid or English compound name
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…
Variant of Millicent, English
"strong in work; brave and strong"
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…
Variation of Millicent, English, Norman, Germanic
"strong in work"
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,…
Norman, German
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…
Variation of Millicent, English, Germanic
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…
Nickname for names containing "mem"
"mem"
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…
English nickname and Portuguese variation of Mendo
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,…
Old English
"strong as the sea"
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…
Old English, Welsh
"famously joyful; maiden"
A rare and poetic saint's name, Merewenna was a 10th-century Christian saint, notable for founding Romsey Abbey in Hampshire, England. Also known as St. Mærwynn, the name may derive from Old English…
Variation of Meridian, Merida, or Meredith
"midday, noon, southerly; veterans of Augusta; great lord"
Bright and warm, Meridia has a cheerful, sunny feel to it. It may have emerged as a variation of: Meridian, ultimately from the Latin meridianus meaning "southerly" or "noon"; Merida, a Spanish place…
