Mea is a concise feminine name with multicultural origins and meanings. In Hawaiian, it means 'reddish' or can refer to a type of banana plant, while in Māori it translates to 'thing' or 'item.' In Italian, Mea is a diminutive of names like Bartolomea or Romea. The name also appears in Latin phrases like 'mea culpa' ('my fault') and 'mea maxima culpa.' Its brevity gives it a modern, minimalist appeal that fits contemporary naming trends favoring short, vowel-rich names. Though uncommon in most Western countries, Mea's simplicity makes it easily pronounced across languages. The name's multicultural background offers versatility and depth despite its compact form, making it distinctive without being complicated.

A little-known Hebrew name which ranks in the Top 100 in Israel.

Shows some promise via its connection to the growing interest in Ewan.

This unisex Japanese name has dozens of possible meanings, depending on the kanji characters used.

Variant of Marian

Malibu, the name of a California beach city, evokes sunshine, surfing, and glamour. With its fashionable "oo" sound — as seen in names like Luna and Ruby — Malibu is an unexplored place name worth considering.

Martes is an unusual feminine name with multiple potential origins. In Spanish, 'martes' means 'Tuesday,' connecting it to day-name traditions found in various cultures. It may also derive from Martha, a biblical name meaning 'lady' or 'mistress,' or possibly relate to Mars, the Roman god of war. The name remains quite rare in most naming records, making it a distinctive choice. With its crisp consonants and brief two-syllable structure, Martes has a contemporary sound despite potential ancient origins. The name might appeal to parents with Spanish language connections or those seeking a truly uncommon name that still sounds familiar enough to be easily pronounced and remembered.

Like many Japanese names, Manami has several possible meanings. This sea-themed one is very appealing.

The Estonian writer Mats Tõnisson created Milvi as a nickname for Miranda. It's also connected to the Estonian word miilama, meaning "glow" or "burn slowly".

The Dutch name is usually spelled Myrthe or Mirthe and pronounced meer-ta. But most English speakers will say it mer-tha and confuse the name with Martha, Bertha, or Myrtle.

A pretty spin on Maria or Marissa.

Fanciful feminissima name created by L. Frank Baum for a character in The Patchwork Girl of Oz.

Miami -- or Florida, for that matter -- hasn't achieved the place-name stardom of southern sisters like Savannah and Georgia. Quincy Jones used it as his daughter KENYA's middle name.

In the 2006 film Pan's Labyrinth, Moanna is the name of a Spanish princess, but it's the Moana spelling that has become more famous of late, thanks to the eponymous Disney heroine.

Mardi is a foreign word name that sounds like a homegrown nickname. For what? We're not sure, but it's kinda cute, and preferable to Tuesday.

Cute but substantial short form, deriving from Maria. The meaning of Maria is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah "bitterness"); and "beloved" (from the Egyptian root mr).

Russian form of Martha, used in several novels by Feodor Dostoyevsky.

Marfa is perhaps best known as the name of artistic city Marfa, Texas. Rumor has it that the town was named after the Dostoyevsky character in The Brothers Karamazov, but it was actually named for a different literary character—Marfa Strogoff in MIchael Strogoff by Jules Verne.

Rarely heard outside the Jewish community; another form is Minda.

Only in use in the US since the late 1950s, Marivel may have originated as a creative spin on Marvel, perhaps influenced by Maribel, which has followed the same popularity trajectory (although much higher up the charts).