The Names on This Site I Like
- Miguela
Origin:
Spanish, feminine variation of MiguelDescription:
If you're looking for an unusual Michaela alternative, try this Spanish route.
- Miki
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"flower stem"Description:
Attractive but slight Asian alternative, with a 1970s nickname feel.
- Mikkel
Origin:
Danish variation of MichaelDescription:
Unless you're Nordic, probably best to stick with Michael if you want to avoid a life of confusion and misspelling.
- Mildred
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"gentle strength"Description:
When scientists do research on the effects of an unpopular name, we're afraid that Mildred is one of the examples they cite, often in tandem with Bertha and Gertrude. But with cute nickname Millie on the rise, anything's possible.
- Milena
Origin:
Czech; Slovak; Serbian; Croatian; Polish; ItalianMeaning:
"love, warmth, grace"Description:
This popular name in various Slavic countries and in Italy holds considerable continental appeal. It is the full name of Ukranian-born actress Mila Kunis, noted for her award-winning role in the film Black Swan. Another actress bearing the name is Milena Govitch, of Law & Order.
- Milly
Origin:
Spelling variation of Millie or short form of Camilla, Millicent, Mildred etc.Description:
Milly and her more popular sister Millie are adorable Old Lady nickname-names springing back to life. Nearly 100 baby girls were named Milly, just Milly, last year, and Millie is in the US Top 500. Milly is the Molly of the new generation.
- Mimi
Origin:
Diminutive of Mary, Miriam, and othersDescription:
Sweet, nicknamey name belonging to the tragic heroines of both La Bohème and Rent. Mimi might feel too slight for many parents to use on the birth certificate, but as a short form, it's one of the cutest of the cute baby names.
- Mimosa
Origin:
Latin plant nameDescription:
Adventurous parents are venturing deeper into the garden in search of fresh names, but remember that this also makes for an alcoholic brunch.
- Min
Origin:
ChineseMeaning:
"quick"Description:
Puts the -min in diminutive.
- Mina
Origin:
Hindu equivalent of Pisces or diminutive of Wilhelmina, GermanMeaning:
"resolute protection"Description:
Most famous as a Dracula victim (where Mina is short for Wilhelmina), Mina is a name that can stand on its own or be a diminutive of any name ending in -mina, most usually Wilhelmina.
- Minerva
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"of the mind, intellect"Description:
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. With Juno and Jupiter, she made the Capitoline triad, whose worship was at the very center of Roman religion.
- Minnie
Origin:
Diminutive of Wilhelmina, GermanMeaning:
"resolute protection"Description:
Minnie was wildly popular at the turn of the last century — it was the fifth or sixth most popular name throughout the 1880s — but is completely obscure in the US today. Blame Mickey's girlfriend. Regardless, it's possible that the up and coming trend toward old-fashioned nickname-names — think Maisie, Mamie, Millie — may give Minnie (all on its own, not as a short form of anything) a new moment in the sun.
- Minty
Origin:
Diminutive of Aminta and Araminta, GreekMeaning:
"defender"Description:
Minty isn't a fresh word name — it's an old-fashioned nickname for Araminta, the romantic smoosh name coined by playwright William Congreve in 1693.
- Miracle
Origin:
Word name, LatinMeaning:
"wonder, marvel"Description:
A surprisingly popular spiritual name that entered the US Top 500 in 2003. As of 2023, it is still a Top 500 choice, where it fits in with similar bold word names like Chosen, Blessing, and Dream. Miracle is a familiar name in Nigeria too, where it is used as a unisex option.
- Mireille
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"to admire"Description:
Pretty name that may pose pronunciation problems -- it's meer-AY -- but is well worth the effort.
- Miren
Description:
Miren is a feminine Basque name meaning 'beloved' or 'wished-for child.' It is the Basque form of Mary/Maria, connecting it to a rich religious tradition while maintaining a distinct cultural identity. Common in the Basque Country of northern Spain and southwestern France, Miren remains relatively rare outside these regions, giving it an air of uniqueness internationally. The name combines simplicity with an intriguing cultural depth, making it appealing to parents drawn to short, meaningful names with European heritage. Its pronunciation (MEE-ren) is relatively intuitive for non-Basque speakers. In recent years, as interest in distinctive cultural names has grown, Miren has gained modest international recognition while remaining true to its Basque roots.
- Miri
Description:
Miri is a charming feminine name with diverse cultural roots. In Hebrew, it means 'bitter' or 'rebellion,' though it's often associated with Miriam. In Swahili, Miri suggests 'mystery,' while in Japanese it can mean 'truth' or 'reason.' The name appears in various cultures, including as a Maori name meaning 'twine' or as a diminutive for Miriam or Miranda in Western contexts. Miri has gained appreciation for its brevity and melodic quality. In popular culture, the name received attention through characters in works like Star Trek. Its simplicity makes it easy to pronounce across languages, appealing to parents seeking a short but meaningful international name with a gentle, feminine sound.
- Mirja
Origin:
Finnish form of MiriamDescription:
If you are looking for an unusual way to honor an ancestral Mary or Miriam, Mirja might make a good choice. Zero baby girls were given this name in the US in 2014. The rising popularity of Anja has schooled English speakers that the j is pronounced like a y.
- Miryam
Description:
Miryam is the original Hebrew form of the name Mary, meaning 'wished-for child,' 'rebellion,' or 'sea of bitterness.' This ancient name carries profound historical and biblical significance as the name of Moses' sister in the Old Testament and later as the name of the mother of Jesus in the New Testament. The spelling Miryam stays true to its Semitic roots and is used in Jewish communities worldwide, as well as in some Arabic-speaking regions. While the variants Mary, Maria, and Miriam are more common globally, Miryam offers an authentic connection to the name's origins. Its rich cultural heritage, melodious pronunciation, and spiritual associations make it a meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with historical depth.
- Mishayla
Description:
Mishayla is a modern feminine name that represents the late 20th century trend of creating distinctive names with melodic sounds and creative spellings. Likely constructed from elements of names like Michaela and Shayla, it combines the Hebrew influence of Michael ("who is like God") with popularized -ayla/-aila endings. The name emerged primarily in the United States in the 1990s, though it remains relatively uncommon. Mishayla offers parents a unique choice with familiar phonetic components, allowing for the nickname Misha. With its blend of recognizable elements and distinctive composition, Mishayla represents contemporary naming practices that value individuality while maintaining pleasant sound patterns and loose connections to traditional naming elements.