American Names that Start With M

By Nameberry

Updated Tue Oct 01 2024

Maverick
- Origin:
  American
- Meaning:
  "independent, nonconformist"
- Description:
  It's ironic that the name Maverick is not such a maverick anymore. Heard first in a 1950s James Garner western TV series, and then as the Tom Cruise character in Top Gun, Maverick symbolizes an unfettered, free spirit.
Miley
- Origin:
  Modern invented name
- Description:
  One-time overnight success name, thanks to Hannah Montana actress and singer Miley Cyrus, Miley fell just as quickly from her peak of Number 127 in 2008 as the star entered her rebellious era.

Maeby
- Origin:
  Diminutive of Mae
- Description:
  Maeby sprang into the modern consciousness via the cult TV favorite Arrested Development, in which the appealing teen character Maeby's name is a nickname for Mae. It's also a homonym for Maybe, which undercuts its inherent cuteness. Is Maeby prime for a real life baby name? Sorry, but we can't resist: Maybe.
Marilee
- Origin:
  English combination of Mary and Lee
- Meaning:
  "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + meadow"
- Description:
  Marilee is one of the cheeriest – if least substantial – combinations of Mary with another name.
Maleah
- Origin:
  Variation of Malia
- Description:
  Oh dear! We can see where you were going with connecting this name to the classic "Leah," but it just doesn't work. We recommend sticking with the classic Malia.

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