350 Names with Meanings & Origins
Baby Names Starting With M
M is the second-largest letter in our collection and a global powerhouse of classic and modern names. From universally cherished names like Maya, Maryam, and Mia to noble choices like Muhammad and Milo, M offers boundless variety.
M Naam Ki Rashi (नाम राशि)
Vedic astrologyNames beginning with M fall under Simha (सिंह, Leo)DetailsHide
The M naming sounds of Simha (सिंह) are Maa मा, Mee मी, Moo मू, Me मे, Mo मो.
This is the naam rashi, taken from the first syllable of the name. It matches the janma rashi — the one read from the Moon's position at birth — only when the name was chosen from the birth star in the first place.
Curated M Names by Style
A curated shortlist of popular, unique, modern, and classic baby names starting with M. You can also explore dedicated girl and boy pages for gender-specific choices.
Popular M names
60· Trending and widely lovedUnique M names
22· Distinctive and less commonModern M names
67· Fresh, contemporary favoritesClassic M names
71· Timeless names that endureAll 350 Names Starting With M
350 names
- Boy
- Girl
- Unisex
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- MaahidOne who smooths the way and brings ease (root m-h-d)
- MaazRefuge, shelter, or brave man
- MaazinRain clouds; clouds that bring life-giving rain
- MabelLovable, dear, adorable one
- Mablilovable
- MaciWeapon, hill
- MackenzieSon of the comely one; child of the wise leader
- Macsengreatest
- MadalynFrom a title meaning "of Magdala". Mary Magdalene, a character in the New Testament, was named thus because she was from Magdala — a village on the Sea of Galilee whose name meant "tower" in Aramaic
- MaddenFrom an Irish surname, an Anglicized form of Ó Madaidhín, derived from madadh meaning "dog, hound"
- MaddisonSon of Matthew; gift of God (variant of Madison)
- MaddoxSon of Madoc, fortunate
- MadeleineFrom a title meaning "of Magdala". Mary Magdalene, a character in the New Testament, was named thus because she was from Magdala — a village on the Sea of Galilee whose name meant "tower" in Aramaic
- MadelineWoman from Magdala, tower
- MadelynWoman from Magdala, tower
- MadelynnFrom a title meaning "of Magdala". Mary Magdalene, a character in the New Testament, was named thus because she was from Magdala — a village on the Sea of Galilee whose name meant "tower" in Aramaic
- MadhavSweet like honey
- MadhaviSpring flower vine, sacred basil
- MadhuriSweetness
- MadhuvanthiSweet like honey, classical musical raga
- MadihaPraiseworthy
- MadilynFrom a title meaning "of Magdala". Mary Magdalene, a character in the New Testament, was named thus because she was from Magdala — a village on the Sea of Galilee whose name meant "tower" in Aramaic
- MadilynnFrom a title meaning "of Magdala". Mary Magdalene, a character in the New Testament, was named thus because she was from Magdala — a village on the Sea of Galilee whose name meant "tower" in Aramaic
- MadisonSon of Matthew (gift of God) or son of Maud (mighty battle)
- MaePearl; the month of May (variant of May/Mary)
- MaevaMeans "welcome" in Tahitian. It gained popularity in France during the 1980s
- MaeveShe Who Intoxicates, Intoxicating, Enchanting
- MagdalenaFrom a title meaning "of Magdala". Mary Magdalene, a character in the New Testament, was named thus because she was from Magdala — a village on the Sea of Galilee whose name meant "tower" in Aramaic
- MaggiePearl (pet form of Margaret)
- MagnaGreat, grand, or magnificent
- MagnoliaMagnol's flower
- Magnusgreatest
- MahaBeautiful eyes
- MahadGreat, cradle, birthplace, nurturing foundation
- MahadeviGreat Goddess, Goddess Durga
- MahakFragrance, sweet aroma
- MahamMoonlight, moon-like, or our moon
- MahaswetaGoddess Saraswati, pure white
- MahbeerBrave, courageous
- MahdiThe rightly guided one; guided to the true path
- MaheenFine, delicate, like the moon
- MaherSkilled, proficient, expert, clever
- MaheshGreat ruler, Lord Shiva
- MahiThe earth, great
- MahikaDew drops; the gentle mist of dawn
- MahimaGlory, greatness, and majesty
- MahirSkilled and expert; masterful in his work
- MahiraSkilled, Expert
- MahjabeenMoon-faced; of radiant beauty
- MahmoudPraised
- MahnoorMoonlight, Glow of Moon
- MahroshMoon-like face, beautiful
- MahveenMoonlight; radiant like the moon
- MaidenA young, unmarried woman or pure, virtuous one
- MainaA songbird, communicative, sweet voiced
- MaisiePearl (Scottish pet form of Margaret)
- MaisraEase, comfort, prosperity, abundance
- MaithiliPrincess of Mithila; another name for Goddess Sita
- MaitreyiFriendly, Benevolent, Learned Woman, Wise
- MaizaDiscerning; one who can tell good from bad
- MajeedGlorious
- MajidGlorious and noble; magnificent in honour
- MajidaGlorious and magnificent; exalted in honour
- MajorFrom an English surname that was originally derived from the given name Mauger, a Norman French form of the Germanic name Malger meaning "council spear"
- MajorianGreater, senior, or elder leader
- MakaylaWho is like God? (feminine of Michael)
- MakenzieVariant of Mackenzie, from a Scottish surname meaning "son of Coinneach"
- MalachiMy Messenger, My Angel, Messenger of God
- MalahaElegance, charm, beauty, salt of grace
- MalaikaAngels; the heavenly messengers of God
- MalakAngel
- MalatiJasmine flower, moonlight
- MalcolmLatin name meaning "dove". The dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit in Christianity
- MalharThe classical raga that invokes the rain
- MalihaBeautiful, charming
- MalikKing; a sovereign and master
- MalikaQueen
- MaliniFragrant
- MaliyahFrom the Hebrew name מֹשֶׁה (Moshe), which is most likely derived from Egyptian mes meaning "son"
- MallikaQueen, jasmine flower
- MalloryUnfortunate, unlucky, or ill-omened
- MamoonTrustworthy and secure; one who can be relied upon
- ManahilSpring of fresh water
- ManalAttainment, achievement, one who obtains
- MananThinking, Meditation
- ManasMind, intellect, and soul
- ManasviIntelligent, wise, and self-possessed
- ManavHuman, mankind; connected to Manu
- MandakiniHimalayan river, celestial Ganges
- MandiraTemple, sacred sanctuary, melody
- ManeNoble, great
- ManhaGift of Allah or blessing
- ManiqahRefined, elegant, graceful lady
- ManishLord of the mind
- ManishaIntellect, wisdom, goddess of the mind
- ManjariBunch of flowers, blossom, creeper
- ManjuSweet, pleasant, snow, dew drop
- ManjulaCharming, lovely, pleasing
- ManjushaTreasure box, sweet voice
- ManliusMorning-born or early dawn child
- ManojBorn of the mind
- ManoramaBeautiful, pleasing to the mind
- ManshaWish, desire, intention
- MansiOf the mind, intellectual, or voice
- MansoorVictorious
- MansurVictorious and divinely aided
- MantashaLonged for, desired, or wish
- ManuelFrom the Hebrew name עִמָּנוּאֵל (ʿImmanuʾel) meaning "God is with us", from the roots עִם ( ʿim ) meaning "with" and אֵל ( ʾel ) meaning "God"
- ManviWise Woman, Human, Girl, Intelligent
- ManvikOne who is intelligent, conscious, or kind-hearted
- ManvitHuman, one who embodies humanity; content and satisfied
- ManyaWorthy of honor and respect
- MapleMaple tree; from the maple wood
- MaraBitter; strong
- MaralaSwan, graceful swimmer
- MarcelineRoman cognomen that was derived from Marcellus
- MarcellaWarlike, dedicated to Mars, or strong
- MarcellinaLittle warrior or devoted to Mars
- MarcellinusLittle warrior or devoted to Mars
- MarcellusLittle warrior or dedicated to Mars
- MarceloRoman praenomen, or given name, that was probably derived from the name of the Roman god Mars
- MarciaWarlike or dedicated to Mars
- MarcianaDedicated to Mars or warlike spirit
- MarcosRoman praenomen, or given name, that was probably derived from the name of the Roman god Mars
- MarcusDedicated to Mars, warlike, defender
- MargaretPearl
- MargotPearl (French pet form of Marguerite/Margaret)
- MariaBeloved, wished-for child, sea of bitterness
- MariahFrom the Hebrew name מֹשֶׁה (Moshe), which is most likely derived from Egyptian mes meaning "son"
- MarianaOf the sea; beloved; blend of Maria and Ana
- MarigoldGolden Flower, Mary's Gold, Precious Bloom
- MarilynStar of the sea, bitter
- MarinaOf the sea or ocean maiden
- MarinusOf the sea or marine voyager
- MarisolCombination of María and Soledad
- MariusMale, virile, or dedicated to Mars
- MarjanCoral; the branching red gem paired with rubies in the Quran (55:58)
- MarjoriePearl, Precious Gem
- MarlaBlend of Maria and Magdalene. It refers, therefore, to Mary Magdalene, a character in the New Testament
- MarleighFrom an English surname that was taken from a place name meaning either "pleasant wood", "boundary wood" or "marten wood" in Old English
- MarleyPleasant Seaside Meadow
- MarlonMeaning unknown
- MarloweDriftwood, Lake Hill, Marshy Stream
- MarnieOf the sea; rejoice
- MarshallFrom an English surname that originally denoted a person who was a marshal
- MarthaLady, mistress of the house
- MartiaWarlike or belonging to Mars
- MartialisDedicated to Mars, warlike, or brave
- MartinaDedicated to Mars or warrior maiden
- MartinusWarrior of Mars or dedicated to war
- MarvinFrom an English surname that was derived from the Welsh given name Merfyn or the Old English name Mærwine
- MarwaFlintstone, or a sacred hill in Mecca
- MarwahFlint stone of strength; also refers to Marwah, the sacred hill in Mecca paired with Safa in Islamic pilgrimage
- MarwanNamed for the hard flint stone of Marwa; enduring and firm
- MaryamPious, Wished-For Child
- MasabStrong and unyielding; borne by Mus'ab ibn Umayr, first envoy of Islam to Medina
- MashaimGood manners, pleasant traits, high moral virtues
- MasonStoneworker or one who builds with stone
- MasoodFortunate, lucky and happy; blessed with good fortune
- MateenStrong, firm, and of resolute strength
- MateoGift Of God
- MathewMeans "gift of Yahweh " in Hebrew, derived from the roots מַתָּת ( mattaṯ ) meaning "gift" and יָהּ ( yah ) referring to the Hebrew God
- MatiasGift of God
- MatildaMighty in battle, strength in war
- MatronaLady, mother, or dignified matriarch
- MatteoGift of God (Italian form of Matthew)
- MatthewGift of God, God's blessing
- MatthiasFrom Greek Ματθίας (Matthias), a variant of Ματθαῖος (see Matthew )
- Maudpowerful battler
- MauliCrown, crest; the sacred protective thread
- MauriceFrom the Latin name Mauritius or Mauricius, a derivative of Maurus
- MaverickIndependent, Nonconformist
- MavisSongbird, Song Thrush, Musical
- MavishNoble, attractive, moonlight
- MawaddaLoving affection; the tenderness God places between hearts (Quran 30:21)
- MawraSuperior, outstanding
- MaxGreatest
- MaxentiusGreatest ruler or supreme power
- MaximaThe greatest or supreme
- MaximianusGreatest, supreme, or magnificent
- MaximilianaGreatest or highest honor
- MaximilianoFrom the Roman name Maximilianus, which was derived from diminutive form of Latin maximus "greatest"
- MaximilianusThe greatest or most supreme
- MaximillaLittle greatest one
- MaximinusLittle greatest one or formidable child
- MaximusGreatest, largest
- MaxineGreatest, Supreme, Maximum
- MaxwellGreat stream
- MayaIllusion, water, great
- MayadaTo walk with a swinging gait
- MayanPure one, water source; a name for Lord Shiva
- MayankMoon
- MaymunahAuspicious, blessed and favoured with good fortune
- MayraFavorable, admirable, beloved
- MayurPeacock; splendid and graceful
- MazharA place of appearance; the outward manifestation of something hidden
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- Meabhintoxicating
- MeadowField of grass
- MedhaIntellect, wisdom, and mental brilliance
- MeenakshiThe fish-eyed goddess of Madurai; a form of Parvati
- MeeraProsperous, saintly woman
- MeerabWater master or supervisor of water, flower of heaven
- MeeralGazelle; graceful and gentle; a princess
- MeeramFlower bouquet, sweet arrangement
- MeganDerived from the Latin name Margarita, which was from Greek μαργαρίτης ( margarites ) meaning "pearl", a word that was probably ultimately a borrowing from an Indo-Iranian language
- MeghaCloud
- MeghnaCloud
- MehekFragrance, aroma, sweet scent
- MeherKindness, Compassion
- MehmalOrnate palanquin, ceremonial litter
- MehranKind and loving (Persian mehr); also the old name of the Indus River
- MehreenLovable, Kind
- MehriKind, loving, sun-like warmth
- MehrunisaCompassionate Woman, Sun Among Women
- MehwishBeautiful like the moon
- MeiBeautiful, plum
- MeissaThe shining one; a bright star in the constellation Orion
- Mekayl'Who is like God'; the archangel Mika'il (Michael)
- MelanieDark-haired; dark beauty
- MelinaElaboration of Mel, either from names such as Melissa or from Greek μέλι ( meli ) meaning "honey"
- MelissaMeans "bee" in Greek. In Greek mythology this was the name of a daughter of Procles, as well as an epithet of various Greek nymphs and priestesses
- MelodySong, musical tune, sweetness of sound
- MelvinFrom a Scots surname that was originally from a Norman French place name Malleville meaning "bad town"
- MemphisEnduring and beautiful; established place
- MeramDesire, wish, aspiration
- MercyFrom the English word mercy, ultimately from Latin merces "wages, reward", a derivative of merx "goods, wares"
- Meredithgreat ruler
- Merrynjoyful
- MessiahAnointed one; deliverer; the saviour
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- MiaMine, Beloved
- MicahWho is like God
- MichaelWho Is Like God?
- MichelleWho is like God?
- MifrahOne who is easily made happy, joyous
- MiguelFrom the Hebrew name מִיכָאֵל (Miḵaʾel) meaning "who is like God?", derived from the interrogative pronoun מִי ( mi ) combined with ךְּ ( ke ) meaning "like" and אֵל ( ʾel ) meaning "God"
- MihirSun, Sunbeam, Radiance, Bright
- MikaalName of an Angel
- MikaeelArchangel of sustenance, rain, and divine mercy (Michael) in Islamic tradition
- MikaelaFrom the Hebrew name מִיכָאֵל (Miḵaʾel) meaning "who is like God?", derived from the interrogative pronoun מִי ( mi ) combined with ךְּ ( ke ) meaning "like" and אֵל ( ʾel ) meaning "God"
- MilaDear One, Gracious, Miracle
- MilanGracious, dear (Slavic); the city of Milan
- MilaniFrom Milan; one from the city of Milan
- MilesSoldier, Merciful
- MileyIn the case of actress and singer Miley Cyrus (1992-), it is a shortened form of the nickname Smiley, given to her by her father because she often smiled
- MilhanGenerous, honorable, and pure white
- MillerGrain Grinder, Mill Worker
- Millicentstrong in work
- MiloSoldier, merciful
- MinaMina, the valley near Mecca where pilgrims stay during Hajj; in Persian 'blue enamel'
- MinahilSprings of fresh water
- MinervaIntellect, mind, or wisdom
- MinhaGift, grant, blessing from Allah
- MinhajClear path, method, way
- MinsaPeace, calm, or reminder
- MinuciaSlender, delicate, or belonging to Minucius family
- MinzaarTelescope; far-reaching vision (Arabic minzar)
- MiqdadOne of great strength and firm resolve
- MiraOcean, Prosperous
- MiraaProsperous, ocean, devotee of Lord Krishna
- MiraalDoe, soft gazelle, gentle deer
- Mirabellewonderful
- MiracleFrom the English word miracle for an extraordinary event, ultimately deriving from Latin miraculum "wonder, marvel"
- MirajAscent; the Prophet's ascension to the heavens (Al-Miraj)
- MirandaAdmirable, wonderful, worthy of admiration
- MirayaDevotee of Lord Krishna, combination of Mira and Raya
- MireilleTo admire; wonderful
- MirhaLight of Allah or nimble/graceful
- MisamA mark of beauty and grace; also honours Maytham al-Tammar
- MisbahLamp, light, lantern
- MishaaSmile, eternal happiness, love
- MishaalTorch, lamp, and source of light
- MishalTorch, light, or beacon
- MishikaA sweet gift of love
- MishqatA niche that holds a lamp, from the Light Verse (Quran 24:35)
- MitakshiOne with beautiful eyes; Goddess Durga
- MitaliFriendship, a friendly person
- MitchellFrom an English surname, itself derived from the given name Michael or in some cases from Middle English michel meaning "big, large"
- MiteshLord of friends; one who has good friendships
- MithilaThe ancient kingdom of King Janaka; birthplace of Goddess Sita
- MivaanSunrays of God; the first ray of sunlight
- MizlaCloud providing cool shade, mercy
- MiznaRain cloud; a cloud heavy with rain (Arabic muzn)
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- MoazzamSpelling variant of Muazzam; exalted, highly respected, and honored in dignity
- ModestaModest, humble, or decorous
- MoeedRestorer, seeker of refuge; attribute of God (Al-Mu'id)
- MohitAttracted, enchanted
- MohsinA benefactor; one who does good and is charitable
- MokshLiberation, salvation; freedom from rebirth
- MokshaLiberation, Salvation, Spiritual Freedom, Release
- MollyStar of the sea, bitter
- MomalBeautiful legendary princess; beloved one
- MominA believer; one who is faithful and devout
- MominaFaithful believer, woman who believes in God
- MonikaAdvisor, unique, or silent
- MonroeMouth of the Roe river
- MonteMountain
- MontyFrom the steep hill (pet form of Montgomery)
- MorganSea-born, sea circle
- Morwennawaves of the sea
- MosesDelivered from the water
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- MuawiyahA young fox cub; borne by the first Umayyad caliph
- MuazProtected, guarded, sheltered by God
- MuazzamExalted, respected, glorified, and honored; historically borne by Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah I (Mu'azzam)
- MubarakBlessed
- MubashirBringer of good news, herald of glad tidings
- MudassirOne who wraps himself in a cloak; from Surah Al-Muddaththir
- MuditDelighted; filled with happiness
- MuhaiminThe Guardian and Protector; one who watches over and keeps safe
- MuhammadPraised, Praiseworthy
- Muireannsea white, sea fair
- MujahidOne who strives earnestly in the path of God
- MujtabaThe chosen one (epithet of Prophet Muhammad)
- MukeshLord of the unspoken
- MukhtarThe chosen one; also one free to choose
- MukundThe giver of liberation; a name of Lord Krishna
- MunaWishes and heartfelt desires attained
- MunawarLuminous and illuminated; filled with light
- MunazzahPure and free from every flaw (Arabic munazzah)
- MuneebOne who turns to God in repentance; devout
- MunibaOne who turns to God; devoted and repentant
- MunirBright, shining, and luminous
- MuniraBright and shining; one who gives light to others
- MuntahaThe ultimate degree
- MuradDesire, wish, goal, intended purpose
- MurphySea Warrior, Sea Defender
- Murrayseaboard settlement
- MurtasimEngraved and clearly drawn; linked to writing and inscribing (root r-s-m)
- MurtazaThe chosen and well-pleasing one; a title of Imam Ali
- MusaSaved from the water
- MusabStrong, able, and capable; borne by the companion Mus'ab ibn Umayr
- MusfahBright, radiant, shining face
- MusfiraRadiant; one with a bright, glowing face
- MusfirahRadiant and shining, like the bright faces of the blessed (Quran 80:38)
- MuskanSmile, pleasant smile
- MustafaChosen One, Selected
- MutibaFragrant; one who spreads a sweet scent (Arabic tib)
- MuzammilEnwrapped, enfolded in garments; title of honor bestowed upon Prophet Muhammad in Surah Al-Muzzammil (Chapter 73)
- MuzdalfaThe sacred plain near Mecca where pilgrims gather during Hajj; nearness and closeness
- MuznaRain cloud; the cloud that carries life-giving water
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Where M Names Come From
The traditions behind this letter, and the wider collection for each one if you would rather browse by origin than by initial.
M is unique in housing several global cognates of beloved roots—such as Mary, Maryam, and Miriam—that have been treasured across cultures for thousands of years.
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