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feminine names beginning with m

  1. Maggie

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Margaret

    • Meaning:

      "pearl"

    • Description:

      Maggie is a cute, earthy short form that has been in style for several decades now, still sometimes used as an independent name by such parents as Jon Stewart. First used in Scotland, it got a large bump in popularity via the 1971 Rod Stewart hit song "Maggie May." Today's Maggie might just as well be short for a more adventurous name such as Magdalena or Magnolia as for the classic Margaret.

      Maggie Gyllenhaal was born Margaret.

  2. Mai

    • Origin:

      Japanese, French, Welsh, Vietnamese, Navajo

    • Meaning:

      "dance; May; cherry blossom; coyote"

    • Description:

      Cross-cultural winner.
  3. Maisie

    • Origin:

      Scottish diminutive of Margaret or Mary

    • Meaning:

      "pearl or bitter"

    • Description:

      Maisie, a charming name long popular as a nickname for Margaret or Mary, entered the Top 1000 as itself ten years ago and continues to rise. Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams helped propel the name back into the limelight, along with the that of her character, Arya.
  4. Majesty

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      Alternative to Princess or Queenie.
  5. Makenna

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of McKenna, Irish, Eastern African

    • Meaning:

      "son of Kenneth; happy one"

    • Description:

      Makenna can be considered a member of the McKenna, Mackenna, Mckenzie and Mckayla family: surname style names that are popular for girls. It translates to "son of Kenneth", or taking Kenneth's meaning into account, "son born of fire". This particular spelling peeked in 2010 when it reached #201 on the US charts, and while it remains in the Top 500, it has declined in popularity in recent years.
  6. Malia

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian variation of Mary

    • Meaning:

      "bitter"

    • Description:

      Malia rose up the charts back in 2009 when it was brought into the spotlight as the name of the Obama's eldest daughter. It leapt into the US Top 200, and while it hasn't reached that level of popularity again, it now sees steady usage, and is given to around 1100 girls every year.
  7. Mallorie

    • Description:

      Mallorie is a feminine name that serves as a variation of Mallory, which derives from the Norman French 'maloret,' meaning 'unfortunate' or 'unlucky.' Despite this somewhat somber etymology, the name has evolved to be associated with more positive qualities. This spelling variant with 'ie' instead of 'y' adds a softer, more feminine touch to the traditional form. Mallorie gained popularity in the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality without being completely unfamiliar. The name carries a classic yet accessible feel, balancing tradition with contemporary style. Parents might be drawn to Mallorie for its gentle sound, slight uniqueness, and connection to medieval heritage.
  8. Mallory

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "unfortunate"

    • Description:

      Early 1980s sitcom (Family Ties) name that has been well used ever since, with an upbeat three-syllable sound and a slightly tomboyish edge.
  9. Malory

    • Description:

      Malory is a unisex name that has been predominantly used for girls in recent decades. Derived from the French surname 'Mallory,' which comes from the Old French 'maloret' meaning 'unfortunate' or 'unlucky,' its negative origins have been largely forgotten in its modern usage. The name gained recognition through Sir Thomas Malory, the 15th-century author who compiled Arthurian legends in 'Le Morte d'Arthur,' giving it literary and historical significance. In the United States, Malory saw modest popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, partly influenced by the character Mallory Keaton from the television series 'Family Ties.' Featuring a soft sound with its three syllables, Malory offers a blend of medieval heritage and contemporary appeal, striking a balance between uniqueness and familiarity.
  10. Mamie

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Mary or Margaret, Hebrew, Egyptian, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea or bitter or pearl"

    • Description:

      Mamie is back. Having finally shorn her Mamie Eisenhower bangs, this insouciant and adorable nickname name is perfect if you want a zestier way to honor a beloved aunt Mary. Meryl Streep's actress daughter, properly named Mary Willa, is called Mamie Gummer. You might think of Mamie as a sister of the stylish Maisie.
  11. Mandi

    • Description:

      Mandi is a feminine name that emerged primarily as a diminutive form of Amanda, which comes from Latin meaning "worthy of love" or "lovable." This spelling variation with an 'i' ending gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s as parents sought more casual, approachable versions of traditional names. Mandi offers a friendly, unpretentious quality while maintaining connection to its more formal root. The name can also be considered a variation of Mandy, which itself began as a nickname before becoming a given name in its own right. While never reaching the top tier of popularity, Mandi has maintained steady usage, appealing to parents seeking something familiar yet slightly unconventional in spelling. The name evokes a cheerful, approachable personality.

  12. Mandy

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Amanda

    • Description:

      Nickname left over from the last generation.
  13. Manuela

    • Origin:

      Spanish, feminine variation of Emmanuel

    • Meaning:

      "God is with us"

    • Description:

      Manuela is one feminine form that's more energetic than the male original, and is worth considering if you're seeking an easily assimilated Spanish name.
  14. Mara

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "bitter"

    • Description:

      Mara is the evocative ancient root of Mary, appearing in the Book of Ruth, in which Naomi, devastated after the death of her two sons, says "Call me not Naomi, call me Mara." It's one of the girl names starting with M that both fits in and stands out.
  15. Marcella

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "warlike"

    • Description:

      Marcella is a name of Latin origin, which has been neglected for decades now. Depicted as the world's most beautiful woman in Don Quixote (where it's spelled Marcela), it has plenty of flair and elegance to revive it again.
  16. Marcia

    • Origin:

      Latin, feminine version of Marcius

    • Meaning:

      "warlike"

    • Description:

      Marcia is an ancient Roman name which derives from Mars, the god of war. It was used by Dante in the Inferno and later by Thomas Hardy and others.
  17. Marcie

    • Description:

      Marcie is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive of Marcia or Marcella, which themselves derive from Latin names related to Mars, the Roman god of war. Sweet and approachable, Marcie peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s, embodying the friendly, girl-next-door quality popular during that era. While it has declined in usage since then, Marcie maintains a cheerful, vintage charm that has attracted renewed interest among parents seeking retro names with character. The name carries associations of warmth and friendliness, partly influenced by the character Marcie from the Peanuts comic strip. As a standalone name rather than a nickname, Marcie offers an unpretentious simplicity with a pleasant, familiar sound.

  18. Marcy

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Marcia

    • Meaning:

      "Mars, god of war"

    • Description:

      Marcy is about as hip as bobby sox and saddle shoes – which is to say, it's probably due a revival in the not-too-distant future! It was a typical Peanuts character name, which peaked in the seventies, but is starting to attract attention again across the pond, where soundalikes like Macy, Marnie, Maisy, Darcy and Lacey are already popular.
  19. Mareesa

    • Description:

      Mareesa is a feminine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Marisa or Marissa, which themselves developed as diminutive forms of Maria. Ultimately deriving from the Hebrew name Miriam, whose meaning is debated but may relate to 'sea of bitterness,' 'rebellion,' or 'wished-for child.' This specific spelling with double 'e' gives the name a distinctive appearance while maintaining the melodious sound of its more common forms. Mareesa remains relatively uncommon, appealing to parents who appreciate the familiar sound of Marisa but desire a more unique spelling. The name carries a gentle, feminine quality and has been used sporadically in English-speaking countries since the late 20th century.
  20. Margaret

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "pearl"

    • Description:

      Margaret is derived from the French Marguerite, which in turn came from Margarita, the Latin form of the Greek Margarites. Margarites was based on the Old Persian word margārīta, meaning "pearl."