Irish Names that Start With M

Murielle emerged as a distinctively French elaboration, adding the feminine '-elle' suffix to create a more melodious version of the classic name. Though less common in English-speaking countries, Murielle has maintained steady popularity in France and French-speaking regions. The name carries an air of sophistication and Old World charm.

Too close to baloney.

Poetic name that's terminally mournful, though its meaning is anything but. Myrna plays a powerful role in Irish legend.

An X-ending surname less common than the Jolie-Pitt-inspired Maddox. Grandparents might still associate it with the old TV crime show. 

McDermott is a common Irish surname that means, as all Mc or Mac names do, "son of" --then Dermott or Dermot, which is an Anglicization of the Irish Gaelic Diarmaid. The legendary Diarmaid was the lover of Grainne and the real King Diarmaid, in the twelfth century, first invited the English into Ireland. Actor Dermot Mulroney made his name famous in the U.S.

The simplified spelling of Monica gives the name a modern, streamlined feel while maintaining the recognizable pronunciation. Monca's rarity makes it distinctive, appealing to parents seeking an uncommon variation of a familiar name. The name has a pleasant sound with its two syllables and straightforward pronunciation. While unconventional in spelling, Monca retains connections to the more traditional Monica, which gained popularity through Saint Monica and remained a steadily used name throughout Western countries.

Merial is a feminine name with complex historical roots. It may derive from the medieval name Muriel (meaning 'bright sea' from Celtic elements 'muir' meaning sea and 'el' meaning bright) with an altered spelling. Alternatively, it could connect to the Latin 'mereo' meaning 'to earn' or 'deserve.'

Gary Sinise chose this Mc name for his late son McCanna, called Mac, in 1990, before Irish and Scottish surnames beginning with Mc or Mac became common as first names. Mac Sinise passed away from a rare form of cancer at the age of 33.

Meabh, the native Irish spelling of Maeve, is in the Top 100 in Ireland and becoming more popular here in its Anglicized form. Outside of Ireland, life will be easier with the Maeve spelling of this lovely queen's name.

Muirgheal is a feminine Irish Gaelic name with ancient Celtic roots. It combines the elements 'muir' meaning 'sea' and 'geal' meaning 'bright' or 'white,' creating the beautiful meaning 'bright sea' or 'shining sea.' Pronounced approximately as 'moor-yahl' or 'meer-yal,' the name has a melodic quality despite its challenging spelling for non-Gaelic speakers. Traditionally found in Irish mythology and history, Muirgheal embodies the wild beauty of Ireland's coastlines. Though rare even in Ireland today, it represents a profound connection to Irish heritage and language. The name might appeal to parents seeking an authentic Gaelic name with poetic meaning and a link to Ireland's natural landscape and cultural traditions.

This Gaelic version of the enduring Michael was chosen by Natasha Richardson and Liam Neeson for their first son.

When British rocker Steven Patrick Morrissey decided to use his last name alone, it became a viable option for baby namers, a lot cooler than Morris or Maurice.

Magee has a broad and bouncy appeal for the sons of anyone from Adam to Zachary.

When ordering a baby name, hold the mayo.

McCabe is an Irish patronymic surname that originated with Scottish mercenaries in Ireland who wore distinctive hats -- or cabas, which is also the name for capes.

There are many dynamic three-syllable Irish surnames; this is one of the rarer two-syllable ones. Molloy is the title of a 1951 novel by Samuel Beckett, initially written in French. Another Beckett novel of naming interest is Malone Dies.

Magee became one of the first gender-bending Irish surname names so popular today thanks to New York television newswoman Magee Hickey. In case you don't know, the g is hard, as in Maggie, but with the opposite emphasis.

Muiriol is a feminine name of Celtic origin, specifically from Scotland and Ireland. It's a variant of Muireall or Muriel, derived from the Gaelic elements 'muir' meaning 'sea' and 'eall' meaning 'bright' or 'radiant,' thus conveying the beautiful imagery of 'bright as the sea' or 'shining sea.' This name has ancient roots but remains relatively uncommon in modern usage. Muiriol carries the lyrical quality characteristic of Celtic names while offering a distinctive alternative to the more common Muriel. Those named Muiriol might appreciate their name's connection to the natural world and Celtic heritage.