Girls Names Beginning With M
- Maddi
Description:
Maddi is a feminine name that functions as both a standalone name and a diminutive form of Madeline, Madison, or Madeleine. With Basque origins, where it means 'elevated' or 'high tower,' Maddi has a bright, friendly sound that has made it increasingly popular as an independent given name. The simplified spelling gives it a contemporary feel while maintaining its classic roots. This name's appeal lies in its versatility—it's short and sweet yet carries the weight of more traditional names. In the Basque regions of Spain, Maddi has historical significance, while in English-speaking countries, it's often chosen for its modern, spunky character. The name has gained moderate popularity in recent decades as parents seek names that are approachable yet distinctive.
- Maddie
Origin:
Diminutive of Madeline or Madison, EnglishMeaning:
"woman from Magdala or son of Matthew"Description:
Britney Spears' little sister Jamie Lynn was one of the first to put this nickname on the birth certificate. Cute for a child, but we recommend giving her the option of the full name for later use.
- Maddy
Description:
Maddy is a feminine name that functions both as a diminutive and as a standalone given name. Most commonly, it serves as a nickname for longer names such as Madeline, Madison, Madeleine, or Matilda. Derived from Magdalene, which refers to Mary Magdalene in the New Testament, the name ultimately has Hebrew origins meaning 'tower' or 'elevated.' Maddy has a friendly, approachable quality that balances youthful charm with sufficient substance for adulthood. Its popularity surged in the late 1990s and early 2000s alongside the rise of Madison and other 'Mad-' names. The name offers the advantage of familiarity without being overly common as a legal name, striking a pleasant balance between unique and accessible.
- Madelaine
Origin:
French variation of MadeleineMeaning:
"high tower"Description:
This spelling gives the name favorite an Elaine spin.
- Madeline
Origin:
English variation of MagdalenMeaning:
"high tower or woman from Magdala"Description:
Madeline, a lovely name with a soft and delicate image, is an old-fashioned favorite that returned to favor in the 1990's, combining a classic pedigree with a cute nickname option: Maddy.
- Madella
Description:
Madella is a feminine name that likely originated as a diminutive or variation of Madeline or other 'Mad-' names derived from Magdalene, which refers to Mary Magdalene in the New Testament. The suffix '-ella' adds a feminine, diminutive quality meaning 'little' or 'young' in Latin-based languages. Madella has an elegant, vintage quality reminiscent of names popular in the early 20th century. It remains quite rare in contemporary usage, appealing to parents seeking unusual vintage names with familiar roots. The name has a melodic quality with its soft consonants and alternating vowel sounds. Potential nicknames include Della, Maddie, or Ella.
- Madelle
Description:
Madelle is a feminine name that likely developed as a diminutive or variation of names like Madeleine or Madeline. It combines the familiar 'Mad-' prefix with a delicate '-elle' suffix, creating a name that sounds both familiar and unique. The name has French undertones, with 'elle' meaning 'she' in French, adding a touch of elegance. Madelle is quite rare, not appearing regularly in popularity charts, which makes it an uncommon choice for parents seeking something distinctive. The name has a gentle, melodic quality while maintaining a certain strength. As with many variations of traditional names, Madelle offers the comfort of familiarity while standing apart from more common alternatives.
- Madonna
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"my lady"Description:
There's only one. Okay, two.
- Madrigal
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"song for unaccompanied voices"Description:
Madrigal might be a pretty and highly distinctive choice for a child of a musical family--or for the parent looking for a less conventional path to the nickname Maddie than Madeline or Madison . Definitely more striking than Cadence or even the increasingly popular Aria.
- Maella
Origin:
English, French and BretonMeaning:
"prince"Description:
An elaboration on the Breton name Maël or Maëlle, or an English combination of Mae and Ella.
- 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.
- Maelys
Origin:
French or BretonMeaning:
"chief or prince"Description:
Another feminine form of the old saint's name Mael. Spelled Maëlys, it is a very popular name in France today.
- Maeva
Origin:
TahitianMeaning:
"welcome"Description:
Though it sounds like a variation of the Irish Maeve, Maeva actually hails from Tahiti, and is currently enjoying a wave of popularity in France, where it ranks in the Top 100, possibly via popular French folk singer and actress Maeva Meline.
- Maeve
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"she who intoxicates"Description:
Maeve is a short and sweet name that has become one of the most stylish Irish names for girls in the modern US. Maeve would make an excellent first or middle name choice, with more heft than Mae/May and more modern charm than Mavis.
- Magda
Origin:
German variation of MagdalenDescription:
On "Sex and the City," Magda was the elderly nanny from the old country -- which is what this name sounds like. While Magdalene and Magdalena are enjoying fresh life, Magda still feels dated.
- Magdala
Description:
Magdala is a feminine name with profound historical and biblical connections. It derives from the ancient town of Magdala on the Sea of Galilee, most famously known as the home of Mary Magdalene, an important figure in Christianity. The place name Magdala has Aramaic origins meaning "tower" or "elevated place." This gives the name a sense of strength and prominence. While never among the most popular names, Magdala has been used sporadically throughout history, particularly in religious communities. It offers a less common alternative to the more familiar Magdalene or Madeline while maintaining the rich historical and spiritual heritage.
- Magdalaine
Description:
Magdalaine is an elegant variation of Magdalene, which derives from Magdala, an ancient town on the Sea of Galilee whose name meant 'tower' in Aramaic. The name gained significance in Christian tradition through Mary Magdalene, a follower of Jesus. This particular spelling adds a French-inspired sophistication with the 'ai' combination. Magdalaine offers a graceful alternative to the more common Magdalene or Madeline variations, maintaining the historical richness while providing a distinctive flair. Though relatively uncommon, the name carries timeless appeal with its biblical connections and melodic sound. Magdalaine projects dignity and classical femininity while the unusual spelling gives it a touch of uniqueness that sets bearers apart.
- Magdaleen
Description:
Magdaleen is a feminine name that serves as a variant of Magdalene, which derives from Magdala, an ancient place name in Galilee (meaning 'tower' in Aramaic). The name is most famously associated with Mary Magdalene, a devoted follower of Jesus in the New Testament. Magdaleen offers a distinctive spelling with a Dutch or Afrikaans influence, where the '-een' ending is more common. While not widely used in English-speaking countries, Magdaleen has maintained some usage in South Africa and in communities with Dutch heritage. The name carries connotations of devotion, loyalty, and spirituality based on its biblical connections. Magdaleen offers a unique alternative to more common variants like Madeline or Magdalena while maintaining the rich historical and religious heritage.
- Magdaleena
Origin:
Finnish variation of MagdaleneMeaning:
"high tower; woman from Magdala"Description:
The Finnish form of Magdalene, sometimes contracted as Matleena.
- Magdaleine
Description:
Magdaleine is an elegant variation of Magdalene, ultimately derived from Magdala, an ancient place name meaning 'tower' in Aramaic. The name carries profound religious significance through its association with Mary Magdalene, a prominent female follower of Jesus in the New Testament. This elaborated spelling adds a touch of French sophistication to the classic name. Magdaleine combines historical depth with feminine grace, offering a slightly uncommon alternative to more familiar forms like Madeline or Magdalena. The name suggests dignity and spiritual connection while its melodious quality creates a sense of refinement. Though not widely used, it appeals to parents drawn to names with rich historical and religious foundations.