User-created list
vintage girl names begging to be rediscovered
Across 37 pages
of 37
Mattie
Diminutive of Martha or Matilda
"lady; battle-mighty"
Mattie, which might be a short form of Martha, Matilda, or even Madeline, ranked among the Top 100 names for girls in the 1880s and in fact, has held a place among the Top 1000 for most of U.S.…
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,…
Max
Latin
"greatest"
If Sam can make it as a girl's name, why not Max? Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg's eldest daughter Maxima goes by Max, but you could also use it as a short form for Maxine, Maximilienne or even…
Mayetta
Mayetta is a feminine name of possible Native American origin, though it's also seen as a diminutive of the name Maya in some cultures. While its exact etymology is unclear, it may be related to the…
Medora
Greek
"mother's gift"
Medora is a Greek name much less common here than, say, Melanie or Melissa. It has some literary references, including as the beautiful and passionate heroine of Lord Byron's poem The Corsair, and in…
Mellie
Short form of Melissa, Amelia, Melanie and related names
Mellie is not Millie and it's not Nellie, though it will forever be confused with those too more familiar nicknames. It's cute, too, and while some of the names it's usually short for may be sailing…
Melrose
Scottish surname
"bare promontory"
Traditionally a Scottish habitational surname, but today could be viewed as a mashup of Melanie or Melissa and Rose. The '90s soap opera Melrose Place gives it a melodramatic vibe, but the…
Merced
Merced is a feminine name of Spanish origin derived from the word 'Mercedes,' which means 'mercies' or 'graces.' It is connected to the Catholic title for the Virgin Mary, 'María de las Mercedes'…
Merlyn
Merlyn is primarily used as a feminine name in modern contexts, though it has historical usage for both genders. It represents a variant spelling of Merlin, the legendary wizard from Arthurian tales.…
Merriel
Merriel is a feminine name with roots likely derived from 'Mary,' a biblical name of Hebrew origin meaning 'bitter,' 'beloved,' or 'drop of the sea.' This spelling variation adds a distinctive touch…
Merrill
English
"sea-bright; pleasant hill"
Merrill, once fairly common for American boys back in the first half of the 20th-century, is now a rare choice, given to just 7 girls and 6 boys in a recent year. Alternative spelling Meryl is also…
Meta
German, Slovene, and Scandinavian diminutive of Margaret, Greek
"pearl"
A unique international short form of Margaret, now associated with Facebook and Instagram and with "meta" fiction, books, TV shows, and similar that are self-referential.
Midori
Japanese
"green; beautiful bird"
In Japan, color names are used to symbolize human qualities, and the green hues of Midori name are said to represent fame. While it is a unisex choice in its native Japan, Midori is predominantly…
Minerva
Latin
"of the mind, intellect"
Minerva is the long-neglected name of the Roman goddess of wisdom and invention, the arts and martial strength, one of the mythology names for girls that might appeal to adventurous feminist parents.…
Minta
English, diminutive of Araminta, invented hybrid name
Minta is an eighteenth century short form of a literary beauty still used in England today, but yet to be discovered by American baby namers. It has a fresh and dainty feel. Virtually unheard today,…
Mirian
Mirian is a feminine name with roots in several cultures. It's a variant of Miriam, which has Hebrew origins and traditionally means 'bitter' or 'beloved'. In some Latin American countries,…
Missouri
Native American
"dugout canoe"
Missouri, the name of a tribe, a state and a river, derives from the Illinois word mihsoori meaning "dugout canoe". It became a somewhat popular American girls' name in the mid-19th century. Missouri…
Mossie
Mossie is a feminine name with Irish origins, traditionally used as a nickname for Maurice (for males) or Maureen (for females). In Irish contexts, it's pronounced more like 'MOH-shee' and has been…
Murielle
French variation of Muriel, Irish
"of the bright sea"
Murielle emerged as a distinctively French elaboration, adding the feminine '-elle' suffix to create a more melodious version of the classic name. Though less common in English-speaking countries,…
Murray
Scottish
"from the land by the sea"
An old-man name that sounds cute when used for a little girl, and is starting to seem cool again for boys too. For girls, it might be associated with Mina Murray (later, Mina Harker) from Bram…