M's
- Margot
Origin:
French, diminutive of MargaretMeaning:
"pearl"Description:
Margot is suddenly a star again. After a nearly-half century absence, it hopped back on the Top 1000 list in 2013 and is on the rise. The Margot spelling is now given to three times as many baby girls as the Margo one.
- Melanie
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"black, dark"Description:
Gone with the Wind inspired a generation of girls named Melanie, though it looks as though Scarlett will triumph in the end.
- Maelle
Origin:
French or BretonMeaning:
"chief or prince"Description:
This feminine form of Mael has the distinctive "aelle" ending found in Brittany. In the French spelling Maëlle, it is a Top 100 girls' name in France.
- Mariska
Origin:
Hungarian and Dutch diminutive of MariaMeaning:
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"Description:
Robust and energetic with an even blend of spikiness and elegance, Mariska is a diminutive of Maria, notably used in Hungary and The Netherlands. Internationally, it was brought into the spotlight by Law & Order actress, Mariska Hargitay.
- Maritza
Origin:
Spanish diminutive of MariaMeaning:
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"Description:
Used especially in Latin America, this would make a funky spin on Maria.
- Marisa
Origin:
Italian and Spanish combination of Maria and LouisaMeaning:
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + famous battle"Description:
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.
- Mirabeau
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"wonderful, miraculous"Description:
The grandiose name of a French revolutionary – in full: Honoré Gabriel Riqueti, comte de Mirabeau. Mirabeau likely derives from Latin mirabilis, making it a masculine cousin of Mirabelle.
- Maysa
Description:
Maysa is a beautiful feminine name with Arabic origins, derived from the word 'mays' meaning 'to walk with a proud, swinging gait' or referring to a type of fragrant tree. The name is also associated with the meaning 'walking with pride and dignity.' In some cultures, Maysa is linked to the month of May or summer. It's popular across the Middle East, North Africa, and increasingly gaining recognition in Western countries. Appreciated for its melodic sound and elegant simplicity, Maysa combines traditional roots with contemporary appeal. The name's soft pronunciation and meaningful origins make it a thoughtful choice for parents seeking a name that embodies grace and natural beauty.
- Maisa
Origin:
Finnish and Old Swedish form of Maria, Portuguese, Japanese, Georgian, ArabicMeaning:
"beloved; drop of the sea, bitter; beloved and famous in battle; dance + sand; born in May; walking with a proud gait"Description:
A truly international name with a multitude of origins.
- Majken
Origin:
Scandinavian version of Marie or Mary, Hebrew or EgyptianMeaning:
"drop of the sea; bitter; beloved; love"Description:
Majken, which is related to Maiken and Maike, is a popular name in Sweden whose variations are used throughout Scandinavia as cooler forms of Mary. Majken is virtually unknown in the U.S. and probably not bound for emigration.
- Marzia
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"of Mars"Description:
A fresher, feistier Italian variant of Marcia.
- Madelaine
Origin:
French variation of MadeleineMeaning:
"high tower"Description:
This spelling gives the name favorite an Elaine spin.
- Merideth
Description:
Merideth is a feminine name representing a spelling variation of Meredith, which originated as a Welsh surname derived from 'Maredudd,' meaning 'great lord' or 'sea protector.' This alternative spelling emerged as parents sought to personalize traditional names while maintaining their essence and pronunciation. The name carries an air of dignity and strength, balanced with a gentle femininity. While less common than the standard spelling, Merideth gained modest popularity in the mid-20th century and has continued as a distinctive choice. It appeals to parents drawn to Celtic heritage or seeking names with substance and history. Merideth offers the approachable nicknames Meri or Edie while providing a full name with professional gravitas. The name blends traditional roots with a slightly unconventional spelling, creating a balanced identity.
- Merisa
Description:
Merisa is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Marissa, itself derived from the Latin "maris" meaning "of the sea," or a variation of the Hebrew name Miriam. In some cultures, it could be connected to the word "meri" meaning "famous" or "renowned." The name has a gentle, flowing quality with its soft consonants and melodic rhythm. While not among the most common names in Western countries, Merisa has maintained steady if modest usage, particularly appealing to parents seeking something recognizable yet distinctive. It carries a contemporary feel while maintaining cross-cultural appeal. The name's brevity and easy pronunciation (meh-REE-sah) add to its accessibility. Merisa projects an image of femininity balanced with quiet strength.
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