British Literature Names

Maud

English and French diminutive of Matilda, German

"battle-mighty"

Maud, lacy and mauve-tinted, was wildly popular a hundred years ago but has been rarely heard in the past fifty. Some stylish parents are starting to choose Maud again, especially as a middle. Maude…

Meg

Diminutive of Margaret, Greek

"pearl"

Meg, perennially one of the Little Women, is a Margaret short form that manages to be neither quite in nor quite out of style. Meg is sleeker and more sophisticated than Maggie, more contemporary…

Melantha

Greek

"dark flower"

The th sound both softens and complicates this Melanie relative.

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,…

Mirabell

Mirabell is a rare feminine name with romantic literary origins. It derives from Latin elements "mirabilis" (wonderful or miraculous) and "bella" (beautiful), creating a name that essentially means…