Names I love
- MANS
- Marcus
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"warlike"Description:
Though ancient, Marcus now sounds more current than Mark, in tune with today's trend towards us-ending Latinate names.
- Marie
Origin:
French variation of MaryMeaning:
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"Description:
The ubiquitous French version of Mary came into the English-speaking world in the nineteenth century. In the United States, Marie was a huge hit at the turn of the last century and for the ensuing fifty years, becoming the seventh most popular name in the country for three years, from 1901 to 1904.
- MARYE
- Mathias
Origin:
Spelling variation of Mattias, GreekMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
Matthias is the ancient Biblical form of Matthew, widely used along with brother Mathias in the US for the past 20 years.
- Mats
Origin:
Scandinavian diminutive of Matthias, AramaicMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
If you're looking for a Euro-chic alternative to Max, Mats is a strong possibility. It's a fading classic in Norway, but is popular in the Netherlands and Belgium, where short names are the height of style.
- Maude
Origin:
English and French diminutive of Matilda, GermanMeaning:
"battle-mighty"Description:
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, especially as a middle.
- Max
Origin:
English and German diminutive of Maximilian or MaxwellMeaning:
"greatest"Description:
Max was derived from Maximilian, a Latin name that originated from the Roman family name Maximus. The character name Max in the children's classic Where the Wild Things Are had an impact on baby namers. Max is a widely used name internationally.
- MAXE
- MELLE
- Merel
Origin:
DutchMeaning:
"blackbird"Description:
Merel is a soundalike of Meryl and may be thought of as a variation of that name, but it's also the Dutch word for blackbird and so you can make it more stylish as one of the flock of cool new bird names, joining Wren, Lark, and Sparrow.
- Merle
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"blackbird"Description:
A sleek, smooth, understated name off the grid in the US but among the Top 100 girl names in Germany. In the US, it is a unisex name, while in Germany and the Netherlands, it is predominantly feminine.
- Mette
Origin:
Norse, variation of MargaretMeaning:
"pearl"Description:
This is a Scandinavian variant of Margaret, and is pronounced MEH-teh or MET, rhyming with jet.
- Mille
Description:
Mille is a feminine name with Scandinavian origins, particularly popular in Denmark where it functions as a diminutive of Emilie or Camilla. The name has also been used as a nickname for Millicent or Amelia in some contexts. In Danish, Mille is pronounced 'MEE-leh,' giving it a melodious quality different from its written appearance to English speakers. The name means 'industrious' or 'striving' when derived from Emilie, or 'free-born noble' when from Camilla. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, Mille has maintained steady popularity in Scandinavian regions. The name's brevity and simple spelling offer practical advantages, while its international character gives it cross-cultural appeal for families with Scandinavian connections or those seeking distinctive yet accessible naming options.
- Nikolai
Origin:
Russian variation of NicholasMeaning:
"people of victory"Description:
Russian forms, like Russian supermodels, are hot these days. This is a strong, worldly way to make Nicholas new; it was chosen for his son by Barry Bonds, Jr. Nikolai also comes with several attractive nickname options, including approachable Nik, spunky Niko, or even hip Kai. A traditional nickname for Nikolai in Russia is Kolya.
- Nils
Origin:
Scandinavian variation of NicholasMeaning:
"people of victory"Description:
Like Lars, Sven, Niels, and Nels, an unjustly neglected straightforward Scandinavian name. Surname Nilsson or the anglicized Nelson derives from Nils.
- Ole
Description:
Ole is a masculine name with strong Scandinavian roots, functioning as the Danish and Norwegian form of Olaf. Derived from the Old Norse name Óláfr, comprised of 'anu' meaning 'ancestor' and 'leifr' meaning 'heir' or 'descendant.' Traditionally pronounced 'OH-leh' in Scandinavian countries, the name has gained different pronunciations in other regions. Ole has maintained steady popularity in Norway, Denmark, and parts of northern Germany, while in the United States it has historically been associated with Scandinavian-American communities, particularly in the Upper Midwest. The name carries connotations of heritage and tradition while remaining simple and accessible. Ole's compact form gives it a friendly, approachable quality while still honoring Nordic naming traditions and cultural connections.
- Pieter
Description:
Pieter is a masculine name of Dutch and Germanic origin, serving as the Dutch and Afrikaans variant of Peter. Derived from the Greek name Petros, meaning 'rock' or 'stone,' it conveys qualities of strength, reliability, and steadfastness. The name has deep historical roots throughout Northern Europe, particularly in the Netherlands, Belgium, and South Africa. Pieter has been borne by notable figures including the renowned Dutch painters Pieter Bruegel and Pieter Mondrian. While traditional in its home regions, the name maintains consistent popularity rather than experiencing dramatic trends. Pieter offers a distinctive European alternative to the more common Peter, retaining the same strong meaning while providing a touch of continental sophistication.
- Rhys
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"ardor"Description:
Rugged but gentle, Rhys is the traditional Welsh spelling of this name, which can also be anglicized as Reese or Reece. Up until 2010, Reese was the preferred spelling in the US, perhaps because parents were concerned about mispronunciation. However, Rhys has since taken over for boys and is now used twice as often as Reese.
- Sasha
Origin:
Russian diminutive of AlexanderMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
The energetic Russian nickname name Sasha is being used increasingly on its own, though since the prominence of the First Daughter, more than 90% of the American babies named Sasha are girls. Sacha Baron Cohen bears one of the alternate spellings.