Boy Names Starting with M: Favorite Mateo to Cool Milo

Looking for boy names starting with M?

Parents love the letter M. It’s one of the most popular letters for boy names, not far behind favorite first initials J and A. As of 2023, it comes in third. That’s up one from 2022; M names are now popular than L names for our sons.

Michael dominated the top spot on US popularity charts from the 1950s into the 1990s. Everybody likes Mike, and generations have grown up with him, too. From television dad Mike Brady to sports heroes Michael Jordan and Michael Phelps, it’s a rock solid choice for a son, a Biblical classic that stands the test of time. But it’s not the only traditional M option, and it’s not even the most popular M name for boys at the moment.

There’s a choice that represents every style, from buttoned-down Matthew to modern Mason. The religious and culturally significant Muhammad – choose your spelling – shares the same chart as celebrity-fueled surname Maddox.

Review the full list of the most popular names at the Social Security Administration’s name site, or read on for more boy names starting with M.

MOST POPULAR BOY NAMES STARTING WITH M

MATEO (#6)

Matthew might be the English language classic, but romance language Mateo is the white hot favorite. It recently rocketed into the US Top Ten.

MICHAEL (#16)

Despite falling from a long-time perch at the very top of the charts, Michael remains used in big numbers. It feels every bit as classic as William or James. And despite Hebrew, Biblical roots, it doesn’t feel especially Christian compared to new Old Testament favorites like Elijah and Isaac. One difference: Michael is more likely to use the full name, rather than nicknames Mikey or Mike, today.

MASON (#30)

A surname name that rocketed up the US popularity charts beginning in the 1990s, Mason feels like a modern staple.

MATTHEW (#32)

Like Michael, Matthew is a New Testament name with broad appeal. The ill-fated Downton Abbey hero – gone, but not forgotten – lends this name a little bit of dash, as does leading man Matthew McConaughey. Both are always Matthew, as are many boys given the name today. Though nickname Matt fits in with brisk go-tos like Jack and Cole.

MAVERICK (#37)

Top Gun put Maverick – the call sign of Tom Cruise’s character – on our radar. The long-awaited sequel helped the name fly higher still. Somehow, Maverick manages to strike an original, independent note even as it grows so very popular.

MILES (#43)

It’s a little bit Plymouth Rock (think Myles Standish) and a whole lot jazzy (think Miles Davis). Chrissy Teigen and John Legend named their son Miles Theodore with the legendary musician in mind.

MICAH (#87)

Micah might be viewed as an update to Michael, but it’s a separate Biblical name. The Old Testament appellation does split the difference between more conventional picks and rising favorites like Isaiah and Ezra nicely.

MYLES (#106)

An alternate spelling of Miles every bit as valid.

MILO (#121)

Take Miles, add a dash of Leo-Hugo-Arlo, and Milo is the appealing result. One possible bonus: Milo Auckerman is the long-time frontman of legendary punk rock band the Descendants. (He also has a PhD in molecular biology.) A caricature of Auckerman is the band’s mascot, gracing most of their album covers. It lends this brief name a smart and edgy vibe.

MATTEO (#144)

Another Matthew name, this time by way of Italian – and it’s not the last Matt on this list. It’s also not the first. Single-T spelling Mateo is the far more popular choice.

MALACHI (#146)

A minor Old Testament prophet name, Malachi offers a cool, modern sound and a great meaning, too: messenger.

MAX (#163)

A mini name that feels brainy and brawny. For every Max Planck or Weber, there’s a Mad Max.

MATIAS (#164)

Another popular Mat- name, this one with the stylish -s ending, too.

MAXWELL (#183)

A surname name, Maxwell came from Mack’s stream. The Beatles recorded “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” in 1969. Murderous Maxwell seems like odd inspiration for a child’s name, but it rose steadily after the song’s release, picking up steam with all of the Max names in the 1990s.

MESSIAH (#187)

A name that made headlines when a judge ruled it was unacceptable, Messiah succeeds on its spiritual meaning and stylish sound. Think Isaiah and Elijah. (The ruling was later overturned. Any observer of names will tell you that there are many, many Messiahs.)

MIGUEL (#194)

Every bit as classic in Spanish, Miguel is simply the translation of Michael.

MADDOX (#195)

Angelina Jolie brought Maddox to our attention when she adopted her son way back in 2002. It comes from a Welsh name meaning fortunate. It immediately caught on, and parents have continued to choose it ever since.

MALAKAI (#226)

Old Testament Malachi meets Hawaiian Kai.

MILAN (#230)

It might be a Slavic name meaning gracious, or it could be borrowed from the stylish Italian city.

MARCUS (#249)

An ancient spin on Mark that manages to feel a little more current.

MARK (#251)

A former Top Ten pick from the 1950s and 60s, this New Testament name remains a traditional pick for a son.

MUHAMMAD (#272)

Probably among the most common names for men in the world, Muhammad is given in honor of the prophet who established Islam.

MARTIN (#289)

A traditional name, made famous by noteworthy bearers like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

MAXIMILIANO (#291)

One of many Max names on this list, and the one with the most syllables.

MALCOLM (#292)

A sweet spot name for a son, the kind of favorite that everyone recognizes – but relatively few families are choosing.

MAXIMUS (#320)

The swaggering name of Russell Crowe’s courageous character in 2000’s Gladiator, and a Max name that turns it up to eleven.

MANUEL (#331)

Spanish form of Emmanuel.

MATHIAS (#371)

One more Mat- name, and not the last on this list.

MARCO (#381)

The romance language version of Mark.

MALIK (#383)

An Arabic name with a regal meaning: king.

MARSHALL (#389)

A surname and title with a long history of use as a first, Marshall is also the given name of rapper Eminem.

MARIO (#404)

From hockey legend Mario Lemieux to video game mainstay Super Mario, it’s a traditional name with plenty of bravado.

MOSHE (#470)

The Hebrew form of Moses.

MARCOS (#475)

As Marco is to Mark, Marcos is to Marcus.

MATTHIAS (#483)

The Mat- names are many.

MEMPHIS (#489)

A place name borrowed from Ancient Egypt, or, more likely, the storied Tennessee city.

MAKAI (#493)

It might be Hawaiian, a cousin to Kai. It could be invented, a twist on so many names like Malakai and Zakai. But it’s very much a name that fits current trends in boy names.

MAJOR (#514)

A bold title name, more obvious than Earl, but possibly less grand than King.

MARCELO (#523)

A Spanish form of ancient name Marcellus, Marcelo shares the same roots with Mark, Marc, and Marcus, making this another cousin.

MILLER (#527)

Hunter, Carter, why not Miller?

MOISES (#538)

This is the third form of Moses on this list, the Spanish and Portuguese spelling.

MOHAMED (#542)

Another spelling for Muhammad.

MACK (#545)

A Jack-inspired take on nickname name Mac.

MORGAN (#551)

While Morgan remains more popular for our daughters, figures like leading man Morgan Freeman remind us that this unisex name can be quite handsome for a son.

MOSES (#557)

An Old Testament name that everyone recognizes, Moses has never been especially popular among baby boy names in the US. Even as Miles and Elijah rise, Moses remains relatively rare. But the S ending and possible nickname Mo make it more wearable than the white-bearded patriarch of our collective imagination suggests.

MAXIMILIAN (#571)

One of multiple Max names on this list, Maximilian is regal, saintly, and quite grand.

MOHAMMAD (#575)

Popular the world over, in multiple spellings.

MAXIMO (#578)

One more Max.

MOHAMMED (#620)

Another spelling of this storied name.

MADDEN (#644)

As in the late, legendary football coach John Madden, a long-time sports commentator famed for lending his name to video games.

MARVIN (#645)

A 1930s favorite, traditional Marvin has faded in use, but that middle V makes it a possible comeback name – eventually.

MAC (#651)

An even briefer spelling for Mack, possibly influenced by the late rapper and producer Mac Miller – born Malcolm.

MUSA (#658)

The Arabic form of Moses, Musa has been rising in use along with lots of similar names. It’s catching on quickly for two reasons: first, we’ve warmed to boy names ending in a. If Noah and Joshua can hold the top spot in the US, why can’t we call our sons Musa? But more critically, this is part of the rise of Arabic language names throughout the English-speaking world. Muhammad grabs headlines, but it’s not the only name gaining.

MAURICIO (#668)

Yet another case where the romance language form of a traditional name outpaces the English one; in this case, Mauricio ranks well ahead of Maurice.

MYLO (#710)

Milo meets Kylo Ren.

MISAEL (#753)

The Spanish and French form of Mishael, a name of Hebrew origin from the Bible. It means “who is like God.”

MARCEL (#760)

A slightly French take on an ancient name.

MAGNUS (#767)

This late Latin name means great.

MELVIN (#821)

Like Marvin, a traditional choice long neglected.

MASSIMO (#842)

The Italian take on Max names, notable for dropping the X.

MITCHELL (#843)

A surname most likely related to Michael, Mitchell peaked in the 1990s. Recent animated hit The Mitchells vs. the Machines might introduce the name to a new generation.

MATHEO (#870)

One more Mat- name! This one might lead to the nickname Theo … or just lots of spelling + pronunciation issues.

MARCELLUS (#875)

The ancient name that preceded Marcel, as well as Marcello. It’s a name far less expected than Marcus or Mark, an alternative to Atticus.

MUSTAFA (#882)

A grand and regal name, Mustafa means “the chosen one” in Arabic. Four Ottoman rulers answered to Mustafa, aloxng with other notables. You might know it as the name of Simba’s father, the wise and noble leader in The Lion King. In the new few months, a prequel titled Mustafa is slated to hit theaters.

MATHEW (#894)

The double-T Matthew has always been more popular, but Mathew is seen, too.

MURPHY (#896)

An upbeat Irish surname name meaning sea battle, Muprhy has become a unisex possibility.

MARION (#941)

An old school unisex name, which just happens to be the given name of actor John Wayne.

MEIR (#945)

A Hebrew name with a powerful meaning: giving light.

MORDECHAI (#951)

Also spelled Mordecai, it’s an Old Testament name fresh with potential today.

MAURICE (#973)

A French name with Latin origins, Maurice arrived in England with the Normans. But they tended to pronounce it Morris – and eventually spell it that way, too. That leaves the rare and gentlemanly Maurice waiting for a revival in the US.

MCCOY (#974)

One of the Mc/Macs that works well for boys. If something is “the real McCoy,” it’s the real deal. The feuding Hatfield and McCoy families put the name in the history books. And the original Star Trek crew included Dr. McCoy. It’s a quirky collection of ties, but it works.

MAEL (#979)

Following Gael into wider use.

MEKHI (#984)

Actor Mekhi Phifer put his unique given name on parents’ radar in the 1990s. Phonetic Makai is more popular now.

MIKAEL (#989)

A fresh – and phonetic – take on Michael.

RARE M NAMES FOR BOYS

MACALLISTER

One of many Mac names that wears well for a son.

MACARIO

From the Latin form of a Greek name, Macarius, it means happy or blessed. Marcari is another possibility.

MACE

Samuel L. Jackson as Jedi knight Mace Windu puts this name on the list.

MACEO

Back in the nineteenth century, Maceo Grajales led the fight for Cuban independence. It seems likely his name inspired the parents of Maceo Pinkard, who became a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance. Haven’t heard of him? You’ve heard his most famous composition: “Sweet Georgia Brown.” And then there’s current musician and saxophonist Maceo Parker. It’s an undiscovered gem.

MACON

A place name, every bit as wearable as Mason.

MAGUIRE

An Irish surname name, nothing else sounds quite like Maguire. Alternate spellings abound, but this seems like the most common.

MARCH

From the name of the month, as well as the action verb.

MARLEY

A few years ago, Marley might’ve said “I named my baby for a dog.” A loving, unforgettable dog from a bestseller, but still. As the memoir fades from our pop culture memory, Marley reverts to its previous image: the surname of a music legend. That makes Marley masculine and oh so very cool.

MARINER

One of several rare boy name possibilities inspired by the Latin mar – sea.

MARLON

As in Brando.

MARS

Long tied to the Roman god of war, Mars might’ve felt too bellicose. But now Mars feels as smooth as chart-topping, Grammy-winning singer Bruno Mars. It helps that parents have embraced celestial names, choices borrowed from mythology, and, of course, -s enders like Miles.

MARSHAWN

Popular name suffix Mar- meets Sean. Retired NFL running back Marshawn Lynch is one notable bearer.

MAXFIELD

Artist Maxfield Parrish makes this slightly more familiar. It’s a sophisticated spin on so many Max names, one that feels distinctive, even in a crowd.

MAXTON

A mostly invented surname-style choice, marrying Max and-ton.

MERCER

Some surname names feel rough and tumble – think Hunter and Ryder. Others are smooth, like Spenser, Foster, and yes, Mercer.

MERLIN

Borrowed from the legendary wizard of Arthurian legend.

MERRICK

A Welsh surname name, similar to former favorite Derek.

MERRITT

Merit means worthiness; we earn merit awards. You can “merit” consideration or a promotion. Merritt, however, is an English surname, probably referring to a boundary gate. Despite the unrelated origins, the surname picks up a virtue name sheen thanks to the vocabulary word. And that makes Merritt a very modern possibility.

MICAIAH

This is the Biblical long form of Micah; it’s unisex in the Old Testament. That potentially puts it in the company of Isaiah and Elijah and so many similar Biblical boy names parents have embraced in recent years.

MICHELANGELO

A double name that nods to the artist – and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.

MIKO, MIKKO

The Finnish of Michael, and a potential Milo-meets-Nico possibility.

MIRO

Miro comes from the Latin mirus – wonderful. Sculptor Joan Miro makes it artistic. With so many o-ending boy names finding favor, Miro isn’t such a leap from Milo.

MONROE

A presidential surname name possibility.

MONTAGUE

A courtly surname name with a polished style, and built-in nickname Monty.

MONTANA

A place name, Montana feels rugged and strong. An earlier generation might have heard this and automatically thought Hannah. Their parents probably heard it and thought Joe. But with the Nickelodeon series and the football hero receding, Montana might make a great place name possibility.

MONTGOMERY

Polished and sophisticated, Montgomery sounds like a little gentleman. Or a grown-up one; after all, Montgomery Clift had a successful Hollywood career, earning four Oscar nominations. Monty makes the name friendly and approachable. With long boy names like Sebastian and Everett in the Top 100, Montgomery could fit right in.

MORRIS

While Morris is mainly familiar as a surname now, Morris was once the medieval English version of traditional Maurice.

MORRISON

Because of legendary Jim Morrison of The Doors, as well as the success of names like Harrison.

MOSS

A gentle nature name option.

MUNGO

A Scottish curiosity, familiar in the UK and rare in the US. One theory is that it comes from a phrase meaning “my dear.”

MURAD

An Arabic name meaning wish.

What are your favorite boy names starting with M?

First published on May 11, 2020, this post was revised and re-published on May 24, 2021; June 20, 2022; November 20, 2023; and July 24, 2024.