User-created list
By jevohh · Updated August 2023
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German variation of Madeline; combination of Mary and Magdalen
Marlene Dietrich made it famous when she condensed her first two names, Maria and Magdalena. Now more often pronounced with two syllables rather than three.
Italian, Spanish, and Israeli variation of Michaela
"who is like God"
The original versions of Micaela have morphed into all manner of "inventive" spellings -- Makayla, McKalla et al -- but we prefer the genuine international versions, like this one.
Spanish
"gracious gifts, benefits"
Mercedes is one of the few names attached to luxury living that we can wholeheartedly recommend, it being a legitimate Spanish appellation stemming from one of the epithets given to the Virgin…
Swedish variant of Mia
Made most familiar by Miah Persson, a famous Swedish opera singer.
"miracles"
Even in the Hispanic community, very religious and old-fashioned.
Feminine form of Marcel, Latin
"warlike"
A feminine form of Marcel, ultimately from Marcellus and Marcus, Latin names celebrating the Roman God of war, Mars. This spelling is used in Poland, Czechia, Spain, Brazil, Uruguay, and Brazil in…
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…
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"…
Variation of Mila or diminutive of Jamilah Kamilah
"gracious, dear; beautiful; perfect, complete"
Popular Mila is an international gem, trending across the States and throughout Europe. The similar though less popular Milah has seen increased use on the back of this, however, this slightly longer…
Spelling variation of Maya
French combination of Marie and Anne
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + grace"
A midcentury Catholic classic that's not chosen by many parents today. Leonard Cohen fans might think of the beautiful song So Long, Marianne , named for his lover and muse Marianne Ihlen. The…
Spanish, Russian, Greek
"pearl, daisy"
Margarita is an international form of Margaret that shares its meaning of "pearl", but also directly translates to "daisy" in Spanish and Greek. Despite being widely associated with the alcoholic…
Variation of Megan, Welsh
"pearl"
Megan was one of the first trendy names to spawn lots of spelling variations and this form of the name is less popular than its streamlined counterpart, but nevertheless familiar to those in the…
Variation of Marlene
"Mary Magdalene; beloved, bitter, drop of the sea + high tower"
Marla might have dropped out of style in the US back in the 90s, but it has seen a resurgence in the UK in recent years. With a little dated charm about it, this variation of Marlene, itself a…
Italian, Spanish, Scandinavian, Slavic
"lady"
Sharper and steelier than Martha, but with the same underused vintage appeal.
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.…
Mayra is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Arabic contexts, it means "exceptional" or "beneficial," while in Slavic languages it's connected to "peace" or "greatness." The name also…
Malena is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Spanish, it's often used as a diminutive of Magdalena, deriving from Mary Magdalene in the New Testament. In Greek contexts, it relates to…
Spanish diminutive of Maria
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
Used especially in Latin America, this would make a funky spin on Maria. The meaning of Maria is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea");…
Maila is a feminine name with diverse cultural origins. In Finnish, it's a variant of Maija, itself a form of Maria, ultimately meaning 'bitter' or 'beloved' from Hebrew origins. In the Philippines,…
