Girls

Maeve is a short and sweet name that has become one of the most stylish Irish names for girls in the modern US. It joined the Top 100 for the first time in 2023 and now ranks at Number 74.

Magnolia, a sweet-smelling Southern belle of a name made famous via the iconic Edna Ferber novel and musical Showboat, is one of the latest wave of botanical names, along with unexpected blossoms Azalea and Zinnia. It is named for French botanist Pierre Magnol.

Maizie is a charming feminine name that functions as a diminutive or variant spelling of Maisie, which itself originated as a Scottish pet form of Margaret. Margaret derives from the Greek 'margarites' meaning 'pearl.' The spelling Maizie gives the name a slightly different visual appeal while maintaining the same sweet, vintage sound. This name enjoyed popularity in the early 20th century before declining, then experienced a revival beginning in the early 2000s as part of the trend toward revitalizing vintage nicknames as standalone names. Maizie has a cheerful, whimsical quality that appeals to parents seeking something familiar yet uncommon. The name carries associations of Scottish heritage and vintage charm, with a friendly, approachable character that works well from childhood into adulthood.

Variant of Mariella

Scottish Marjorie and her English twin Margery were early twentieth century favorites that date back to medieval times, when it was popular among the royals. They were at their height in the 1920s, when they were seen as more lively versions of the old standard. Marjorie was always the preferred spelling, in the Top 25 from 1920 to 1927.

Matilda is a sweet vintage name that has been gently climbing the popularity list for the past 15 years, after a half-century slumber. The spunky children's book heroine Matilda is one factor in its rise, along with others of its class like Eloise and Caspian.

Almost as popular in the 1950s among the Irish in Boston as it was with those back in Bray, Maureen was once among the most prominent Irish names for girls in the US but has fallen from favor along with most of her een-ending sisters such as Eileen and Colleen.

Mavis, another word for the song thrush, is also a relative of the Welsh word for strawberries, mefus. Mavis has something of a British World War II feel, a friend of Beryl and Doris, but it was quite popular in the U.S. a couple of decades earlier, peaking in the Roaring Twenties.

Mackenzie begat McKenna - a catchy but very trendy choice. While the Mc or Mac prefix means "son of," this is much more popular as a girl name in the US, peaking at #177 in 2002.

Best associated with the Australian city, Melbourne is occasionally used as a given name. The city itself was named after the British Prime Minister, William Lamb, the 2nd Viscount Melbourne - Melbourne also being a market town in Derbyshire.

Meredith is a soft, gentle-sounding name with subtle Welsh roots. Although originally a boys’ name , Meredith is used mainly for girls now.

Meridith is a feminine name that serves as a variant spelling of Meredith, which originated as a Welsh masculine name meaning "great lord" or "sea protector." This particular spelling emerged as the name transitioned to predominantly feminine usage in English-speaking countries during the 20th century. The alternate spelling maintains the same pronunciation while offering a slightly different visual appearance. Meridith peaked in popularity during the 1970s and 1980s alongside Meredith, appreciated for its soft sounds combined with substantial meaning. The name carries associations with intelligence and dignity, and though less common than the traditional spelling, Meridith continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its Welsh heritage and gentle strength.

Monroe is a presidential name which, thanks to the immortal beauty of Marilyn Monroe, is catching on fast for baby girls. Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon chose it for their twin daughter, honoring Marilyn Monroe. Their use of Monroe as a girls’ name did much to revive this Old Man name, a la Sydney, as a newly fashionable choice for girls.

This surname name popularized for girls by TV's Murphy Brown back in the 80's and 90's still has some breezy energy. Almost 400 baby girls were named Murphy in 2021, versus just over 200 baby boys, making the name solidly gender neutral.