While Marianna looks like a spelling variation of Mariana, the two names have different etymologies. While the one-N spelling derives from the Roman name Marianus, Marianna is a combination of two classics, Maria and Anna, used in many European languages.

Elegant but upbeat, Marcelo has steadily climbing up the US Top charts since the mid-90s. Also popular in Spain, Uruguay, Chile, and Mexico, it ranked in the US Top 500 for the first time in a recent year when it was given to more than 700 boys.

Margarita is an international form of Margaret that shares its meaning of "pearl", but also directly translates to "daisy" in Spanish and Greek. Despite being widely associated with the alcoholic beverage in English, it has a long history of use in Spanish, Greek and several Slavic languages — most notably being the name of the heroine of Mikhail Bulgakov's 1966 novel Master and Margarita.

Derived from Maria, the meaning of which is uncertain. 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).

Many may associate Mario with the popular platform game - unsurprising when it's the 5th best-selling video game worldwide, and was voted the 2nd best game ever by IGN in 2024. The titular plumber was apparently named after American businessman, Mario Segale, who rented a warehouse to Nintendo, and this in itself reflects that Mario is much more established than just a name for a video game character.

A name made famous by Marisas Berenson and Tomei, never became as saturated as its cousin Melissa, so still a feasible choice. Marisa is one of those Spanish and Italian names for girls that sounds at once unusual and familiar, which makes it truly an international choice.

Because of shoe designer Manolo Blahnik, this has become a generic term for pricey stilettos, as in "I must have those Manolos."

Melito is a masculine name with ancient roots, derived from the Greek name 'Melitos' meaning 'honey' or 'sweet as honey.' It has historical significance as it was borne by several early Christian figures, including Saint Melito of Sardis, a 2nd-century bishop and Christian apologist. Despite its venerable history, Melito remains quite rare in contemporary usage, giving it a distinctive and uncommon quality. The name carries warm connotations through its honey-related etymology, suggesting a sweet and pleasant disposition. While not widely used in English-speaking countries, it maintains some usage in Mediterranean regions and among families with classical or ecclesiastical naming traditions.

With the ubiquitous Max heard at every playground across the US, international versions have been gaining traction in an attempt to provide a fresh avenue to the highly sought nickname. This Spanish iteration has been in the US Top 1000 since the early 2000s and is currently trending upwards.

Actress Mena Suvari (named after an Egyptian hotel) made this name seem especially appealing. Mena is also a minor Roman goddess of fertility.

This variation on Moses got a boost from Moises Alou, a Dominican-American baseball player who spent 17 seasons in the National League.

Maurisio is a masculine name that appears to be a variant of Maurice or Mauricio. It has Latin roots, derived from 'Mauritius' meaning 'Moorish' or 'dark-skinned.' The name blends Spanish and Italian influences, with the unique spelling adding a distinctive touch. While less common than traditional forms like Mauricio or Maurice, Maurisio offers a slightly modernized alternative that maintains the name's classic heritage. The name carries connotations of dignity and strength that have been associated with the traditional forms throughout history. Maurisio remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking something familiar yet unique.

This Spanish version of Maurice has been on the US charts since the 60s. Mauricio peaked in the early 2000s, getting as high as #353 before falling again. With lively, "-o" ending names getting the attention they have got in recent years, Mauricio would be a great option. Mauricio Macri was a former president of Argentina.

Another culture's slant on Mark, sometimes associated with former president of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos and his shoe-collecting wife, Imelda.

Intriguing derivation, though people will assume it's a simplified form of Maura.

Mino is traditionally a name for people born along Spain's Minho River or Rio Mino. It may be a surname or a first name.

Madia is a feminine name with diverse cultural origins. In some contexts, it's a variation of Madea or Medea from Greek mythology, though without the negative associations. In others, it derives from Arabic origins meaning 'gift' or 'present.' Madia also exists as a nature-inspired name, referencing a genus of flowering plants in the sunflower family native to western North America. The name has a melodic quality with its balanced syllables and flowing sound. While not widely common in English-speaking countries, Madia offers a distinctive alternative to more popular names like Madeline or Madison, combining exotic appeal with straightforward pronunciation.

The original versions of Micaela have morphed into all manner of "inventive" spellings -- Makayla, McKalla et al -- but we prefer the genuine international versions, like this one.

The current wife of Donald Trump, Slovenian model Melania Knauss, brought this pretty version to the fore. Saint Melania was an heiress who freed thousands of enslaved people.

Overly trendy western place-name, as stated in the title of our book Beyond Jennifer & Jason, Madison & Montana.