AHEAD: The ultimate list of M names for girls… and which could go viral in 2025.
If you’re looking for beautiful girl names that start with M, you’re in the right place!
I’ve rounded up every single “M” name that’s even the slightest bit modern and cool.
Below you’ll find over 100 names, their meanings, and current popularities.
You’ll also find a shortlist of M names poised to go viral in 2025.
Related: Boy Names that Start with M
“M” names trending in 2025
These girls’ names starting with M are climbing the charts right now, each making significant gains since last year.
Mabel 🔥
- Name meaning: Lovable.
- Popularity: #278 (↑32)
Maddie
- Name meaning: Woman from Israel or child of Matthew.
- Popularity: #839 (↑101)
Maeve 🔥
- Name meaning: She who intoxicates.
- Popularity: #73 (↑30)
Magnolia
- Name meaning: A tree with large glossy leaves and huge white blossoms.
- Popularity: #145 (↑6)
Maisie or Maisy or Mazie
- Name meaning: Pearl.
- Popularity: Maisie ranks #293 (↑54), Maisy is #791 (↑196), and Mazie #958 (↑105).
Mallory
- Name meaning: Unlucky.
- Popularity: #429 (↑104)
Marceline
- Name meaning: Little warrior.
- Popularity: #592 (↑84)
Margot or Margo 🔥
- Name meaning: Pearl.
- Popularity: Margot ranks #148 (↑45) and Margo ranks #542 (↑74).
Marigold
- Name meaning: Golden flower.
- Popularity: #714 (↑114)
Marina
- Name meaning: Of the sea.
- Popularity: #573 (↑72)
Marisol
- Name meaning: Mary of solitude.
- Popularity: #786 (↑34)
Mavis
- Name meaning: Songbird.
- Popularity: #595 (↑85)
Maxine
- Name meaning: Greatest.
- Popularity: #513 (↑102)
Meadow 🔥
- Name meaning: Freely growing grassland.
- Popularity: #352 (↑53)
Milana
- Name meaning: Pleasant + gracious.
- Popularity: #752 (↑16)
Malani
- Name meaning: Invented name.
- Popularity: #350 (↑47)
Milena
- Name meaning: Honey or gracious.
- Popularity: #700 (↑73)
Miley 🔥
- Name meaning: Invented name.
- Popularity: #452 (↑251)
Millie
- Name meaning: Strong worker.
- Popularity: #102 (↑26)
Mira
- Name meaning: Peace.
- Popularity: #411 (↑71)
Murphy 🔥
- Name meaning: Sea warrior.
- Popularity: #519 (↑148)
Myla or Mylah
- Name meaning: Soldier or merciful.
- Popularity: Myla ranks #183 and Mylah ranks #388 (↑52).
Keep reading for 2025 viral predictions.
Popular “M” names
These girl names starting with M are ranked in the top 350.
Mackenzie
- Name meaning: Daughter of Kenneth.
- Popularity: Mackenzie ranks #165, Mckenzie #436, and Makenzie #537.
Madeline
- Name meaning: Woman from Israel.
- Popularity: #94
Madelyn or Madilyn
- Name meaning: Woman from Israel.
- Popularity: Madelyn ranks #58, Madilyn ranks #360, Madelynn ranks #491, Madilynn ranks #727, and Madalyn ranks #904.
Related: Middle Names for Madelyn
Madison
- Name meaning: Child of Matthew.
- Popularity: Madison ranks #36 and Maddison ranks #482.
Related: Middle Names for Madison
Malia or Maliyah
- Name meaning: Bitter.
- Popularity: Malia ranks #273 and Maliyah ranks #532.
Maya
- Name meaning: Water.
- Popularity: Maya ranks #50, Mya ranks #340, and Maia ranks #459.
McKenna or Makenna
- Name meaning: Child of Cionaodh.
- Popularity: Mckenna ranks #326 and Makenna ranks #475.
Melanie
- Name meaning: Dark.
- Popularity: Melanie ranks #130 and Melany ranks #632.
Melody
- Name meaning: Song.
- Popularity: #103
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Mia
- Name meaning: Mine.
- Popularity: #6
Related: Middle Names for Mia
Mila
- Name meaning: Beloved.
- Popularity: #28
Milani or Meilani
- Name meaning: Invented name.
- Popularity: Milani ranks #270, Malani ranks #350, and Meilani ranks #845.
If you like these popular girl names that start with M you’ll like these modern girl names.
Vintage “M” names for girls
These old-fashioned girl names all start with the letter M.
Mae
- Name meaning: Bitter or pearl.
- Popularity: #506
Magdalena
- Name meaning: From Magdala, Israel.
- Popularity: #908
Mara
- Name meaning: A river.
- Popularity: #582
Margaret
- Name meaning: Pearl.
- Popularity: #132
Margery or Marjorie
- Name meaning: Pearl.
- Popularity: Neither spelling of this vintage M name is ranking.
Mariana or Marianna
- Name meaning: Drop of the sea. Beloved.
- Popularity: Mariana ranks #245 and Marianna ranks #885.
Marie
- Name meaning: Drop of the sea; or beloved.
- Popularity: #649
Marion
- Name meaning: Drop of the sea; or beloved.
- Popularity: This M name is not in the top 1000.
Matilda
- Name meaning: Strength in battle.
- Popularity: #437
Mercy
- Name meaning: Compassion.
- Popularity: #833
Muriel
- Name meaning: Sparkling sea.
- Popularity: This vintage M name isn’t ranking.
Myra
- Name meaning: Beloved or admirable.
- Popularity: #594
If you like these old-fashioned M names for girls you’ll like these Victorian girl names.
Elegant “M” names
These M names are long and sophisticated.
Madeleine
- Name meaning: Woman from Israel.
- Popularity: #444
Maribelle
- Name meaning: Mari + Belle. Drop of the sea. Beloved. + Beautiful.
- Popularity: This pretty three-syllable M name is not in the top 1000.
Marianna
- Name meaning: Drop of the sea. Beloved.
- Popularity: #885
Mariella
- Name meaning: Drop of the sea. Beloved.
- Popularity: This elegant girls’ name is not in the top 1000.
Marielle
- Name meaning: Drop of the sea. Beloved.
- Popularity: This girls’ M name isn’t ranking.
Marietta
- Name meaning: Drop of the sea. Beloved.
- Popularity: This unique girls’ name starting with M is not ranking.
Mirabella
- Name meaning: Wonderful.
- Popularity: This elegant girls’ name is not in the top 1000.
If you like these long girl names that start with M you’ll like these names that mean graceful.
Cute “M” names
These girl names that start with M sound friendly and sweet.
Maci or Macie or Macy
- Name meaning: Hill.
- Popularity: Maci ranks #696, Macie ranks #474, and Macy ranks #690.
Maple
- Name meaning: Large trees known for their beautiful autumn colors.
- Popularity: This cute tree name for girls isn’t ranking.
Marcie
- Name meaning: Mars, god of war.
- Popularity: This cute two-syllable M name isn’t ranking.
Marley or Marlee or Marleigh
- Name meaning: Pleasant wood.
- Popularity: Marley ranks #283, Marlee ranks #501, and Marleigh ranks #924.
May
- Name meaning: The 5th month. Another name for Hawthorn, a small thorny tree.
- Popularity: This one-syllable girls’ name is not currently in “season”.
Mckinley
- Name meaning: Child of the fair hero. Presidential name.
- Popularity: #634
Mina
- Name meaning: Many possible meanings from all different cultures: With gilded helmet, blue stone, south, love, bitter, joyful, and more!
- Popularity: #585
Mischa
- Name meaning: Honey bee.
- Popularity: This Barton-reminiscent M name is not ranking.
Molly or Mollie
- Name meaning: Rebellious.
- Popularity: Molly ranks #208 and Mollie isn’t ranking.
If you like these cute M names for girls you’ll like these southern names.
Unique “M” names for girls
These unique girl names starting with M are uncommon without being too far out there.
Malaya or Malayah
- Name meaning: Freedom.
- Popularity: Malaya ranks #847 and Malayah ranks #969.
Maren
- Name meaning: Sea.
- Popularity: #544
Marin
- Name meaning: Beautiful place near San Francisco.
- Popularity: This unique girls’ name starting with M isn’t ranking.
Marlowe
- Name meaning: Driftwood.
- Popularity: #836
Marni
- Name meaning: From the sea.
- Popularity: This M name isn’t ranking.
Mazikeen
- Name meaning: Harmful spirits.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Meena
- Name meaning: A bird or blue semi-precious stone.
- Popularity: This unique M name for girls isn’t ranking.
Melina
- Name meaning: Honey or gracious.
- Popularity: #654
Merida
- Name meaning: One who has achieved honor.
- Popularity: This unique girls’ name starting with M isn’t ranking.
Meryl
- Name meaning: Of the bright sea.
- Popularity: This Streep-inspired M name is not currently popular.
Monet
- Name meaning: To be heard. Also an incredible impressionist artist.
- Popularity: This unique M name is not currently popular.
Monroe
- Name meaning: Mouth of the Roe river. Presidential name.
- Popularity: #530
Myrla
- Name meaning: Blackbird or shining sea.
- Popularity: This MAFS-reminiscent M name isn’t ranking.
If you like unique “M” girl names you’ll like these space names.
Timeless “M” names for girls
These girl names that start with M have been more popular in the past but aren’t out of style either.
Makayla or Mikayla or Michaela or Mikaela
- Name meaning: Like God.
- Popularity: Makayla ranks #457, Mikayla ranks #614, Michaela ranks #637, and Mikaela ranks #819
Malika
- Name meaning: Queen.
- Popularity: This regal M name is not currently ranking.
Marcella
- Name meaning: Warlike.
- Popularity: This M name hasn’t ranked since 2002.
Maria
- Name meaning: Of the sea. Better. Rebellion. Wished-for child.
- Popularity: #82
Marilyn
- Name meaning: Mary + Lynn. Drop of the sea or beloved + lake.
- Popularity: #742
Mary
- Name meaning: Drop of the sea. Beloved.
- Popularity: #135
Megan or Meghan
- Name meaning: Pearl.
- Popularity: Megan ranks #694 and Meghan isn’t ranking.
Melissa
- Name meaning: Honey bee.
- Popularity: #410
Meredith
- Name meaning: Great ruler.
- Popularity: #509
Michelle
- Name meaning: Like God.
- Popularity: #401
Milan
- Name meaning: A city in Italy known for fashion.
- Popularity: #644
Miranda
- Name meaning: Worthy of admiration.
- Popularity: #576
Miriam or Maryam or Mariam
- Name meaning: Drop of the sea. Beloved.
- Popularity: Miriam ranks #251, Maryam ranks #415, and Mariam ranks #535.
Morgan
- Name meaning: Of the sea.
- Popularity: #477
You might also like this list of badass girl names or these edgy names.
“M” names for girls that are past their prime
Even though the following names rank in the top 1000, I think they’ve seen better days.
👉🏼 Jump ahead to the next section to view 2025 predictions!
Mariah
- Name meaning: The Lord is my teacher. Drop of the sea. Beloved.
- Popularity: #393
Martha
- Name meaning: Lady.
- Popularity: #673
Miracle
- Name meaning: Extraordinary event.
- Popularity: #438
Monica
- Name meaning: Advisor.
- Popularity: #728
And here are a few more that aren’t ranking right now:
| Marguerite Marcia/Marsha Marianne Marissa Marlene Martina Maude Maureen Melania Melinda |
Mercedes Mildred Millicent Minerva Missy Misty Moira Mona Monique Myrtle |
(Of course, if you love any of these “M” girl names, you should choose it for your daughter and forget what I think!)
Will any girl names that start with M go viral in 2025?
Yes, I believe so!
Among girl names that start with M, Margot, Murphy, and Miley are poised for the most explosive growth in 2025.
These are followed by Maeve, Mabel, and Meadow, which are also showing strong viral potential.
Maxine, Malani, Mylah, Mavis, Marigold, and Mallory deserve honorable mentions but are less likely to see the same levels of dramatic increases.
Margot
Of all the girl names that start with M, Margot shows the strongest path to explosive growth this year.
The meteoric rise of this M-initial name tells a fascinating story in the data: after disappearing from rankings entirely in the mid-1900s, Margot made a quiet comeback in 2013 at #944.
What happened next defied all expectations – over just ten years, it soared nearly 800 spots to claim #148 in 2023, shattering its century-old record from 1921.
The name’s current trajectory is electric: a stunning 27% more babies received this name in 2023 compared to 2022, launching it up 45 ranking positions.
While many M names like Mary and Margaret have seen declining popularity, Margot’s international appeal keeps growing – it’s already reached #53 in France, #68 in Australia, and #74 in Canada.
But here’s where it gets interesting: these impressive gains happened before Margot Robbie became a household name through Barbie in late 2023.
Now, with Robbie’s Barbie success ($1.4B worldwide) and her role as Lady Margot Fenring in Dune: Part Two, this sophisticated French form of Margaret appears perfectly positioned for another dramatic leap.
Murphy
Murphy represents one of the most dramatic rises among M names for girls, leaping from its first appearance at #978 in 2020 to #519 in just three years.
The name has shown particularly explosive growth in the past year, jumping 148 spots from #667 to #519 in 2023.
What’s especially notable is its gender shift – in 2023, more than twice as many girls (582) received the name compared to boys (257).
Murphy hits multiple sweet spots in current naming trends: it’s gender-neutral, has Irish heritage, works as a surname-first-name, and carries a casual, friendly vibe that modern parents love.
If current trends continue, Murphy could easily break into the top 300 by 2025, cementing its status as one of the fastest-rising Irish-origin names for girls.
Miley
This name is experiencing a remarkable renaissance, jumping 251 spots from #703 to #452 in 2023 – and the momentum shows no signs of slowing.
While Miley first entered popular consciousness through Miley Cyrus and Hannah Montana in 2007, it’s finding new life with a completely different generation of parents.
The name hit its previous peak in 2008 at #129 (with 2,651 babies), then declined as Miley Cyrus shed her Disney image. However, 2023 marked a dramatic reversal, coinciding with Cyrus’s evolution into a respected artist.
What’s particularly fascinating is the name’s international appeal. While it ranks #452 in the US, it performs even stronger in the UK – reaching #219 in England and #177 in Scotland in 2023.
This suggests significant room for growth in the American market. With Cyrus’s recent Grammy wins and continued cultural relevance (including her hit “Flowers” becoming one of 2023’s biggest songs), Miley is positioned for potential explosive growth in 2025.
Maeve
This melodic M name, carried by a legendary Irish warrior queen, has become a modern powerhouse in baby naming across the English-speaking world.
After first appearing in the U.S. top 1000 at #955 in 1997, Maeve has skyrocketed 882 spots to reach #73 in 2023, with its most dramatic gains coming in recent years.
What’s particularly striking is its acceleration at higher ranks – jumping 30 spots from #103 to #73 in 2023, showing rare momentum for a name already in the top 100.
The name has demonstrated remarkable international appeal, ranking #25 in New Zealand, #40 in both Canada and Scotland, #43 in Australia, and #48 in England.
Cultural visibility has played a key role, from Netflix’s Sex Education (2019-2023) to HBO’s Westworld (2016-2022), while fantasy author Sarah J. Maas continues to feature heroines bearing the name.
Mabel
This melodic M name perfectly captures the “vintage revival” phenomenon, with a fascinating pattern emerging on both sides of the Atlantic.
After disappearing from U.S. rankings in the 1960s, Mabel has orchestrated a remarkable comeback, climbing from #711 in 2013 to #278 today – its highest position since World War II.
The name’s recent acceleration is particularly telling: in just three years, it jumped from #428 (2020) to #278 (2023), showing the kind of dramatic momentum that often precedes viral growth.
Its international performance hints at future U.S. trends – in England & Wales, Mabel catapulted from #1112 in 1996 to #50 in 2022, with dramatic gains since 2015. The U.S. pattern follows almost identical trajectories, just a few years behind.
Celebrity influence has been perfectly calibrated: Bruce Willis chose it for his daughter (2012), followed by Russell Brand (2016) and Topher Grace (2017), creating waves of visibility without oversaturation.
With continued visibility through shows like Only Murders in the Building and Wednesday, Mabel shows every sign of following its British trajectory toward the top 100.
Meadow
This nature-inspired name has been quietly blooming, showing remarkable staying power in an era of fleeting trends.
After entering the top 1000 in the early 2000s, Meadow has made a steady climb to reach its highest rank ever at #352 in 2023, with 864 babies receiving the name.
What’s particularly notable is its acceleration in recent years – jumping from #725 in 2017 to #352 in 2023, a dramatic climb of 373 spots in just six years.
The name hits several sweet spots in current naming trends:
- Nature names are surging (like River at #193 and Prairie making gains)
- Two syllables ending in ‘ow’ (following chart-topper Willow at #41)
- Soft ‘M’ beginning (like mega-popular Mila, Maya, and Maeve)
While some might remember Meadow Soprano from HBO’s hit series, today’s primary cultural reference is Meadow Walker, daughter of the late Paul Walker. As a successful model with 4.1M Instagram followers, she’s helped transform the name’s image into something both elegant and down-to-earth.
With the rise of cottagecore aesthetics and nature-inspired living among young parents, Meadow perfectly captures the zeitgeist while maintaining a sense of timeless beauty.
Maxine
Among girl names that start with M, Maxine is quietly staging one of the most impressive comebacks of the decade.
After reaching its peak popularity in 1923 at #76, this vintage charmer has found new life with modern parents, climbing over 100 spots in 2023 alone to reach #513.
The name’s revival was turbocharged by Sadie Sink’s portrayal of Maxine “Max” Mayfield in Netflix’s Stranger Things, where the character’s strength and loyalty resonated with viewers.
What makes Maxine particularly appealing is its versatility – formal enough for a Supreme Court Justice, yet offering the trendy nickname Max that fits perfectly with today’s gender-neutral naming trends.
While other M names like Mary and Margaret have seen declining popularity, Maxine has jumped over 200 spots in the past five years, suggesting we’re witnessing the beginning of a major renaissance for this sophisticated choice.
The dramatic 102-position leap from 2022 to 2023 (a 17% increase in usage) signals that parents are rediscovering this gem at an accelerating pace, making it one of the most promising vintage revivals in the M category.
Malani
This melodic Hawaiian-inspired name is showing all the signs of becoming one of 2025’s breakout stars.
While its cousin Milani has been the dominant -lani name for the past decade (rising from #959 in 2014 to #270 in 2023), Malani is demonstrating even more explosive recent growth.
Since first appearing in the top 1000 in 2017 at #920, Malani has skyrocketed nearly 600 ranking positions to reach #350 in 2023. What’s particularly noteworthy is the acceleration of its rise – it’s gaining momentum rather than slowing down.
In 2023, there were 865 baby girls named Malani, representing 0.049% of total births. This is a significant increase from previous years, suggesting the name is still in its growth phase rather than plateauing.
While alternative spelling Meilani has several celebrity connections (including JWoww’s daughter and surfer Bethany Hamilton’s middle name), it’s Malani that’s captured parents’ imagination with its simpler spelling and fresh feel.
The name hits multiple trending markers for 2025: it has Hawaiian roots (like rising names Kailani and Leilani), features the popular -i ending, and offers a perfect blend of uniqueness and familiarity.
Mylah
Since first appearing in the top 1000 in 2017 (at #941), Mylah has seen a stunning ascent, climbing 553 spots in just six years to reach #388 in 2023.
While its sister spelling Myla has enjoyed steady growth (now at #183), Mylah’s trajectory suggests it could be the next big thing. In 2023 alone, it jumped 52 spots, showing the kind of acceleration that often precedes a name going viral.
The ‘h’ ending puts Mylah in great company with other trending names like Delilah (#52), Aaliyah (#86), and Nylah (#382). This spelling variation adds a touch of modern flair while maintaining the name’s elegant sound.
Mylah also shows strong international appeal, ranking #482 in England, suggesting this name has global star potential.
Mavis
This vintage charmer has climbed an impressive 295 spots since 2018, with its most dramatic jump happening in 2023 (up 85 spots to #595).
The name carries serious vintage credentials – it peaked in the 1920s and then disappeared from rankings entirely for 50 years before making a triumphant return in 2016.
Mavis offers a fresh alternative that hits multiple trend sweet spots: it’s both a nature name (meaning “song thrush”) and a vintage revival choice.
Pop culture has given it modern appeal through Selena Gomez’s voice role as Mavis Dracula in the *Hotel Transylvania* franchise.
The name’s steady rise suggests we’re witnessing the early stages of a major comeback – in 2023, 501 baby girls received this name, marking its highest usage in decades.
Marigold
This nature-inspired M name is showing intriguing early momentum, leaping 114 spots from #828 to #714 in 2023 – its first year in the U.S. top 1000.
While it’s too early to predict viral status, Marigold’s trajectory mirrors the early patterns of other successful botanical names like Hazel and Violet in their initial rankings.
The name gained cultural visibility through Downton Abbey (introduced September 2011), where Lady Edith’s daughter Marigold became a central character, helping normalize this bold floral choice.
Its emergence in England & Wales (entering rankings at #1383 in 2022) suggests growing international appeal, while recent exposure in Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy adds contemporary relevance.
With just 392 births (0.022% of total) in 2023, Marigold remains distinctive while showing signs of mainstream potential.
Though we’ll need more data points to confirm viral trajectory, this vintage botanical choice demonstrates key markers of names that often see dramatic growth: cultural visibility, international appeal, and alignment with current naming trends.
Mallory
Could this classic “M” name be poised for a major comeback?
After years of declining popularity, Mallory made a dramatic turnaround in 2023, jumping from #533 to #429.
This impressive 19.5% improvement in ranking suggests we might be witnessing the beginning of a Mallory renaissance.
The name first gained prominence in the 1980s through the character Mallory Keaton on Family Ties, climbing to its peak at #83 in 1986.
More recent pop culture appearances in shows like Grace and Frankie and The Spiderwick Chronicles have kept the name relevant, while soccer star Mallory “Mal” Pugh has given it a fresh, athletic association.
The name’s recent upward trajectory suggests it could be following the pattern of other revived classics – though in this case, its comeback might be happening ahead of the typical 100-year cycle.
Nicknames starting with “M”
These are great if you love long names but want a shorter M-starting nickname.
Mackie
Short for: Mackenzie, Mackenna, Meredith
Maddie
Short for: Madison, Madeline, Madeleine, Madalyn
Mae or May
Short for: Margaret, Mabel, Mary
Maggie
Short for: Margaret, Magdalene, Magnolia
Mandy
Short for: Amanda, Miranda, Melody
Mara
Short for: Marissa, Tamara, Marina
Meg
Short for: Margaret, Megan, Meghan
Mel
Short for: Melody, Melanie, Melissa
Mercy
Short for: Mercedes, Mercer
Mia
Short for: Maria, Amelia, Marianna
Mickey
Short for: Michelle, Michaela, Micaela
Millie
Short for: Millicent, Mildred, Camilla
Mimi
Short for: Miriam, Mary, Miranda
Mina
Short for: Wilhelmina, Minerva, Marina
Minnie
Short for: Minerva, Wilhelmina, Miranda
Mitzi
Short for: Maria, Marie, Mary
Molly
Short for: Mary, Margaret, Martha
Moxie
Short for: Maxine, Moxena
Middle name ideas for “M” girl names
Here are some beautiful first + middle name combinations for a first name with “M” as the first letter.
- Mabel Addilyn
- Mackenzie Reese
- Madeleine Sophie
- Madeline Lily
- Madelyn Sophia
- Madison Avery
- Maeve Scarlett
- Magnolia Jade
- Maisie Alexandra
- Makayla Lennox
- Malaya Rayne
- Malia Hailey
- Malika Rose
- Mallory Eden
- Marceline Blake
- Marcella Grace
- Marcie Harlow
- Maren Ellery
- Margaret Everly
- Margery Palmer
- Margot Aubrey
- Mariana Rose
- Marianna Hazel
- Maribelle Ruby
- Marie Charlotte
- Mariella Charlotte
- Marielle Hartley
- Marietta Blakely
- Marigold Skye
- Marilyn Emma
- Marin Sophie
- Marina Jolie
- Marion Pearl
- Marley Faye
- Marlowe Emerald
- Marni Phoenix
- Matilda Hartley
- Mavis Belle
- Maxine Emery
- Maya Everly
- Mazie Violet
- Mazikeen Rose
- McKenna Hadley
- Mckinley Frances
- Meadow Everleigh
- Meena Scarlett
- Megan Embry
- Melanie Blaire
- Melissa Aria
- Melody Rylan
- Mercy Evelyn
- Meredith Ava
- Merida Elowyn
- Meryl Olivia
- Mia Penelope
- Michelle Brooke
- Mila Sage
- Milan Sophia
- Milana Jade
- Milani Grace
- Milena Blaire
- Miley Piper
- Millie Hart
- Mirabella Eve
- Miranda Bryn
- Miriam Tazara
- Mischa Brooke
- Molly Abigail
- Monet Lily
- Monroe Haley
- Morgan Ariella
- Muriel Paige
- Myrla Juliette
- Maci Emerald
- Mae Victoria
- Mara Alexandria
- May Phoenix
- Mina Hadley
- Mira Adeline
- Myla Lennox
- Myra Everly
Things to consider while choosing from M girl names
Before you make your daughter’s name official, here are a few questions worth asking yourself:
-
- Does the name have an undesirable meaning? Keep in mind that the prefix Mal means “bad”. There are a few names on this list with less than ideal meanings. The first is Mallory, which means unlucky. The second is Mazikeen, which means harmful spirits. The third is Marcella, which means warlike. You can absolutely choose to ignore the meaning if you like the sound of the name—that’s totally your call!
- Does the name remind you (or others) of anyone famous or infamous? I’d personally avoid the name Melania, which is of course the name of Donald Trump’s wife. Other names, for better or for worse, might remind you of celebrities. Mariah Carey, Marilyn Monroe, Martha Stewart, Monica Lewinsky, etc.
- How often will others assume the wrong spelling of the name? Since M names for girls have so many spelling variations, you’ll want to consider whether it will bother you (and your daughter, of course) when people regularly misspell her name. If you go with Maliyah, most people will assume Malia. If you do Marlee, most will assume Marley.
- Will young kids be able to pronounce the name? It’s really common for little ones to have trouble pronouncing letters and sounds such as “R”, “S”, “L”, “Th”, and “Z”. So, for a period of time, M girl names like Marissa and Mercedes might be virtually impossible for your daughter and her friends to say. Again, think about whether this matters to you—it may not.
Ultimately, you and your partner should choose whichever “M” girl name makes you the happiest. It’s a very personal decision that only you can make!
Final thoughts on M names for girls
The popularity of girls’ names that start with M is STUNNING.
There are a whopping 101 M names in the top 1000. This is more than 3 times that of H names, for example.
Another interesting trend with girl M names is how many spelling variations of the same name are actually ranking. (For most names, spelling variations don’t top the charts)…
There are 6 variations of Madelyn and 4 variations of Mayakla that rank in the top 1000, just to give you two examples.
Not to mention, there are quite a few ranking M that are nearly identical. There’s Milani, Malani, and Meilani. There’s Milana, Milena, and Malaya. Melina and Milena. And so many more!
It’s safe to say, M names for girls are hot right now!
Congratulations and good luck choosing the perfect name for your baby girl!
The source for popularity data is SSN.
This article was originally published on Dec 14, 2021 and was updated on Jan 17, 2025.
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