Roman Catholic Inspired Names

Macaria

Spanish from Greek

"blessed, happy"

Unusual and rhythmic, Macaria is the feminine form of the ancient Greek Makarios or the Latinized Macarius. It could be an unexpected way to get to cool nickname Mac, without using Mackenzie,…

Macrina

Latin

"thin or long"

An ancient alternative to the modern Mac- names, this name was borne by two early saints.

Madonna

Latin

"my lady"

There's only one. Okay, two.

Magdalene

Spelling variation of Magdalen

"woman from Magdala or high tower"

This name made famous in the New Testament has gone from crusty grandma to sleek and chic in recent years, or is it months? The name's image is perhaps helped by the fact that Mary Magdalene was one…

Mairead

Irish, shortened fom of Mairghread, variation of Margaret

"pearl"

Pronounced MAW-rayt or ma-RAYD, Mairead is close enough to Maureen to be accepted here. The name became popular in Ireland due to admiration for the saint of that name. Peig and Peigi are its…

Mairwen

Welsh

"blessed Mary"

A sweet Marian name consisting of Mair, the Welsh form of Mary, and gwen, meaning "blessed, white".

Marcelina

Polish, Spanish, Portuguese, from Latin

"warlike"

A sweeter take on Marcella.

Marcia

Latin, feminine version of Marcius

"warlike"

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. Marcia enjoyed a brief run of popularity in the…

Margareta

Margareta is a feminine name that represents a European variant of Margaret, particularly common in Swedish, Romanian, and other Eastern European cultures. Derived from the Greek 'margarites' meaning…

Margaux

French spelling variation of Margo

Yes, it's pronounced with a long o sound at the end, just like Margo and Margot. This spelling was popularized by supermodel, actress, and tragic Hemingway granddaughter Margaux, whose name spelling…

Marguerite

French variation of Margaret; also a flower name

"pearl; daisy"

Marguerite is a classic French name with a remnant of old-fashioned Gallic charm; and is also a variety of daisy. Chic again in Paris, it's definitely ripe for revival here. Another reason you might…

Mari

Variation of Maria or Mary, Basque, Japanese

"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved; gift, mother; truth, genuine, villlage"

Mari enjoyed some mid-century popularity as a nicknameish version of Mary, but now deserves a second look as a multicultural classic. Popular in Norway and Armenia as a variation of Marie, it is also…

Mariae

Mariae is a feminine name with Latin origins, representing a variant of Maria (Mary). It reflects the Latin genitive form of Maria, essentially meaning 'of Mary.' This connection gives it deep…

Maribel

English combination of Mary and Bel, or Spanish short form of María Isabel, "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + beautiful"

"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + beautiful"

This modern name gathers some steam from the wildly popular Isabel. The meaning of Mary is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter"…

Maribella

English, combination of Mary and Bella

"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + beautiful"

Frilly but undeniably beautiful. The meaning of Mary is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah "bitterness"); and…

Maribeth

English, combination of Mary and Beth

"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + oath"

Variant of Marybeth

Maricella

Variation of Maricela, Spanish, Hebrew, Latin

"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + heaven"

.A less common spelling of Maricela that may appeal to English speakers, this name blends Maria with Celia. As such, it could mean "Maria of the Heavens", in honor of the Virgin Mary, however, you…

Maridel

Filipino compound name, blending Maria with Delila, Adelaide, or Adelina

Similiar in style to Marilou, Marivic, and Marites, Maridel is blend of Maria with Delia, Adelaida, Adelina, or any other name containing the "del" sound. If it is Delia you had in mind, it could…