Slavic Names that Start With M

Effortlessly stylish with an international feel, Milan re-entered the US charts back in 2013 after a 55 year hiatus. It has been powering up the charts ever since, following in the footsteps of sweet sound-alike Mila, and spotlighted by singer Shakira, who chose it for her son.

In many Slavic and other European countries, Milan is purely a boys’ name, but in the US, it's also popular for girls – no doubt inspired by the fashionable Italian city. It entered the Top 1000 for boys in 2013, while for girls it has been in the Top 1000 since 2009. Currently, it is given to three boys for everyone one girl.

Michal may be one of several Eastern European forms of Michael, though there is a biblical Michal who is female, the daughter of Saul and wife of David.

A short form of Magdalena in Dutch and a variation of Melaina, Melina, Melinda, Melanie, Milena and similar, Melena is also used for a character in the novel Wicked and the subsequent Broadway musical.

Albert Einstein's first wife was Mileva Marić, a Serbian student and his classmate at the Zurich Polytechnic (her childhood nickname was Mitza.) With the newfound popularity of Mila, this obscure Old Slavic name may be discovered outside of its native land.

A sweeter take on Marcella.

Mariná is a feminine name with Latin roots, likely a variation of Marina with an accent on the final syllable that shifts pronunciation emphasis. Marina itself derives from the Latin word 'marinus,' meaning 'of the sea.' The accented final 'á' suggests Portuguese or Spanish language influence, where such accentuation affects pronunciation and stress. This variation may be particularly found in Brazilian Portuguese usage, where accented final syllables are more common. The name evokes images of the ocean, carrying associations with beauty, depth, and tranquility. While Marina has been used across many cultures for centuries, this specific variation with the accent creates a subtle distinction in sound and appearance. Mariná offers a slightly exotic flair to a classic name, appealing to parents seeking names with traditional roots but distinctive pronunciation.

Móizes is a masculine name that represents a cultural variation of Moses, featuring Portuguese or Spanish linguistic influences as evidenced by the accent mark over the 'o'. The name traces back to biblical origins, referring to the prophet Moses who, according to Exodus, led the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery. The original Hebrew name 'Moshe' is thought to mean 'drawn out of water,' referencing how Pharaoh's daughter found baby Moses in a basket floating on the Nile. This particular spelling is most common in Portuguese-speaking regions like Brazil and parts of Latin America. While less frequently encountered than the standard Moses spelling in English-speaking countries, Móizes carries the same powerful historical and religious significance while reflecting specific cultural and linguistic heritage.