Unique Names that Start With M

Mayli

Chinese, English, Spanish, "beautiful + logic, reason; meadow in May; she loves you"

"beautiful + logic, reason; meadow in May; she loves you"

Light and pretty, Mayli is a name with multiple origins that travels well and still feels fresh. In 2023, 60 girls were given the name, nearly double the number of Maylis from the year before. On one…

Mackenna

Irish

"son of the handsome one"

Although the Mc or Mac prefix always means "son of", the first names McKenna and MacKenna are used in the US exclusively for girls, with the McKenna spelling outpacing this one 14 to 1. There are no…

Maris

Latin

"of the sea"

Maris is an unusual and appealing name that has never appeared in the U.S. Top 1000, overshadowed by its twentieth century elaboration, Marisa/Marissa. It derives from the phrase "Stella Maris," star…

Maude

English and French diminutive of Matilda, German

"battle-mighty"

Maude, also spelled Maud, is a lacy, mauve-tinted name that was wildly popular a hundred years ago, but has been rarely heard in the past fifty. Some stylish parents are starting to choose it again,…

Muna

Muna is a feminine name with origins in multiple cultures, giving it a rich, cross-cultural appeal. In Arabic, Muna (منى) means 'wish' or 'desire,' symbolizing something precious and hoped for. In…

Marykate

Combination of Mary and Kate, Hebrew and Greek

"bitter and pure"

The most famous Marykate spells her name Mary-Kate -- Mary-Kate Olsen. While this compound name has a distinctly midcentury ring, it also carries a certain Catholic girl charm.

Marietta

Italian diminutive of Maria

"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"

Marietta would make for a classy and uncommon long form for cool nickname Etta. The meaning of Maria is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea");…

Meena

Hindi

"blue semiprecious stone, bird"

Interesting multi-cultural option.

Monet

French artist name, from diminutive of Simon

A new favorite of the bohemian set, brought to light by actress Monet Mazur, daughter of the artist who designed the Rolling Stones' mouth logo.

Melrose

Scottish surname or compound name

"barren heath, bare promontory; dark rose; honey rose"

Traditionally a Scottish surname, referring to a barren heath, a bare promontory, or headland, Melrose could also be viewed as a mashup of Melanie, Melissa and Rose, as in the case of model and…

Mariposa

Spanish

"butterfly"

Mariposa is a rare, romantic choice with an intriguing meaning. Uncommon but not unknown, Mariposa is an elegant entrant in the nature names category. And it comes with the adorable nicknames Mari or…

Medina

Arabic, Old English

"city of the prophet; the middle one"

Medina commonly refers to a city in Saudi Arabia where the prophet Muhammad began his work to establish Islam. It is considered the second holiest city in Islamic tradition, and is also known as The…

Misty

English

"mist"

Misty is simultaneously an airy and nature inspired choice and a nickname-y gem with a retro feel. First appearing in the US Top 1000 back in the 1960s, it peaked in 1977 when it reached #40. It was…

Moana

Maori, Samoan

"deep ocean, sea"

This Maori name, often heard in New Zealand, is an attractive, evocative choice for lovers of the ocean made famous – perhaps too famous – by the Disney heroine. Moana was also an alternate name for…