Girl Names Starting with M: Favorite Mia and Rare Meridian

Girl names starting with M range from the mini Mia to elaborate Magnolia and Magdalena.

In some ways, the list is still dominated by Mary and Margaret. Multiple popular M names for girls connect to those classic, enduring names – if only in a subtle way. (Looking at you, Molly + Margot.)

Other sounds dominate in recent generations. The many Maddies – along with Maddy and Madi – are an obvious example. But Mia, Mila, and Maya feel quite close, too.

They’ve taken the place formerly held by Mc and Mac names, those darlings of the 1990s.

Vintage favorites offer plenty of up-and-coming options, too. And while some remain in style limbo, plenty of these antique gems seem fresh and new today.

Intriguing baby girl names starting with M can be found in any category. Surnames range from Mackenzie to Miniver; noun names like Meridian and Minuet share the same list with old school choices like Mamie and Marguerite. Once unique girl names, like Miracle, now appear in the Top 1000, suggesting that some of these stand-outs could eventually feel mainstream.

After all, it’s the third most popular first initial for girls’ given names, behind only A and E, which makes it the most popular consonant.

Let’s dive in to the marvelous baby girl names starting with M!

GIRL NAMES STARTING WITH M IN THE US TOP 1000

MIA (#5)

At just three letters, Mia has ranked in the US Top Ten since 2009. Not bad for a name that didn’t even appear in the Top 1000 until 1964. Actress Mia Farrow, a newcomer on television smash hit Peyton Place, put her nickname on parents’ radar. She was born Maria de Lourdes. While some Marias – and Marianas – answer to Mia still, this name stands on its own.

MILA (#33)

Another recent favorite, Mila adds just a little more sound to mini Mia. Originally short for Slavic names starting with Mil, it comes from a word meaning gracious or dear. Credit for the name’s rise likely goes to actor Mila Kunis. Kunis was born Milena, in the Ukraine. She got her first big break playing Jackie on That 70s Show in 1998. By 2006, Mila was rocketing up the charts.

MADISON (#46)

A surname name sometimes heard for boys, Daryl Hannah’s mermaid character adopted it in Splash. Parents took note, embracing it as an Allison-Madeline mash-up. The name debuted in the Top 1000 in 1985, the year after the movie hit theaters. By 1997, it reached the Top Ten, peaked at #2 in 2001, and remains steadily popular, years after we forgot it started out on the big screen.

MAYA (#51)

The perfect name for a globetrotter, Maya means illusion in Sanskrit and water in Hebrew. In Roman mythology, she’s the goddess of spring, and in some cases, it’s a form of Mary. It works in nearly any language, anywhere on Earth. No surprise it’s a favorite in our extraordinarily connected world. Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman’s firstborn, Maya Hawke, is now an actress in her own right, and the Stranger Things star helps boost the name to a new generation.

MADELYN (#65)

Madelyn looks modern, but it traces its roots to powerful New Testament figure Mary Magdalene. Her name refers to place name Magdala, meaning tower. This spelling has charted in the Top 1000 from the 1890s through the 1960s, before returning in the 1980s. It is currently the most popular form.

MARIA (#74)

The Latin form of Mary, Maria is preferred in nearly every romance language, as well as Slavic and Scandinavian ones. And there have been Marias in English over the ages, too. At the moment, it’s the most popular of the Maria/Mary/Marie trio. It fits with flowing, elaborate girl names, from Isabella to Olivia to Amelia.

MAEVE (#75)

An Irish import with a beguiling meaning – intoxicating – and ties to a legendary warrior queen. Thandie Newton’s Westworld character gave it a boost, but Maeve’s popularity now far exceeds the show. Strong, vibrant, and brief, Maeve is a name to watch.

MILLIE (#86)

1967 box office hit Thoroughly Modern Millie was all about a flapper – the legendary Julie Andrews played the role. And that’s Millie exactly – vintage, high-energy, an upbeat name that sounds at home with Sadie and Ruby, but clearly tied to the past. Formal names like Millicent and Mildred abound, but Millie is more popular than every longer version. Actress Millie Bobby Brown boosts the name’s popularity, too, and it’s a solid substitute for Ellie or Molly.

MADELINE (#87)

The more traditional spelling of Madeline in English, it’s also the version Ludwig Bemelmans chose for the little girl at the center of the popular children’s books. While Madelyn feels breezy and modern, Madeline reads more classic, a sister for Eleanor and Katherine.

MELODY (#91)

A musical girl name, Melody has risen and fallen since the 1940s. But this marks the name’s highest chart position so far, a sister for Aria, Cadence, and Harmony.

MARGARET (#119)

A classic among classics, Margaret ranks with the most traditional choices, like Katherine and Elizabeth. But Margaret has sat outside of the US Top 100 since the 1990s. Many of the Margaret names – think Margot and Maisie – rise and fall independently of the name. But choose full, formal Margaret, and they’re all options for your daughter. Actress Margaret Qualley helps make the case for using the name without a short form.

MELANIE (#122)

Melanie feels like a twentieth century innovation, but it traces its roots to the ancient world. It became a big favorite in the 1980s, but remains in steady use many years later.

MARGOT (#126)

We all recognize Margot, and that ‘o’ ending makes it seem quite stylish. But it’s still just on the right side of uncommon, a rising name nearly everyone appreciates, but still far less popular than Charlotte or Eleanor.

MARY (#132)

Long the most popular given name for girls in the US, classic and venerable Mary has fallen quite a bit. Now it’s almost a surprise to meet a baby girl with this lovely, straightforward name.

MAGNOLIA (#138)

A flower named for French botanist Pierre Magnol, Magnolia sounds specifically Southern – it’s the state flower of Louisiana and Mississippi. The name saw steady use in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, but had faded to near-obscurity. But recently, a fresh wave of flower names has returned this vintage charmer to the popularity charts.

MYLA (#186)

A twist on Mila, in the key of Lyla, Kyla, and company.

MACKENZIE (#200)

Mackenzie followed other three-syllable surname names like Beverly and Kimberly. It was also part of a wave of Mc and Mac names, including Makayla and McKenna. And it paved the way for choices like Kennedy and Avery and Emery today. While multiple spellings muddy the total count, it appears that Mackenzie is the last name standing among all the similar 90s favorites.

MOLLY (#208)

A sweet, casual nickname name, Molly started out as a form of Mary. It’s long since stood on its own, and there’s something feisty about famous Mollys. There’s Revolutionary War hero Molly Pitcher, musical-turned-movie The Unsinkable Molly Brown about a Titanic survivor, and 1980s big screen celeb Molly Ringwald, to name just a handful.

MABEL (#222)

Mabel comes from Amabel, ultimately from a Latin name meaning lovable. After topping the charts around the turn of the twentieth century, Mabel fell out of fashion. Perhaps the earliest signal that it was ready for revival? 90s hit sitcom Mad About You gave the name to Paul and Jamie Buchman’s baby, as an anagram for Mothers Always Bring Extra Love. Today it’s rising quickly, a vintage name in the key of Hazel, with hints of Maeve.

MARIANA (#242)

If Mary Anne is the girl next door, Mariana feels far more dramatic. Maybe it’s because Tennyson used the name for a mournful 1830 poem. Or perhaps its because the Mariana Trench is the deepest oceanic trench on earth, deep enough to swallow Mount Everest with room to spare. It’s traditional, but flowing and lovely, a name that fits with Sophia and Isabella while still standing out.

MIRIAM (#251)

Classic Miriam is the Hebrew form of Mary, found in the Old Testament. It’s the logical pick for an affluent Jewish housewife-turned-standup comedian in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, the Amazon hit series that might have encouraged parents to take a fresh look at this storied name.

MAISIE (#255)

Maisie started out as a Scottish short form of Margaret. It’s a bouncy sound that fits in with favorites like Sadie. It might still be used as a Margaret nickname, but today, it’s mostly used as a stand-alone. A cartoon mouse spells it Maisy, while Dr. Seuss gave us Daisy-Head Mayzie.

MORGAN (#276)

Unisex name with Arthurian roots.

MILANI (#278)

A modern take on Melanie, with nods to trending Hawaiian favorites like Leilani.

MARLEY (#287)

A little bit reggae, thanks to the legendary Bob, and nicely unisex, courtesy of names from Ashley to Everly.

MAGGIE (#300)

Short for classic Margaret, Maggie is heard independently, too. After all, the late Maggie Smith made the name remarkably steely. And Maggie fits right in with Millie and Sadie.

MALIA (#326)

Former First Daughter Malia Obama made this name famous. It’s the Hawaiian version of Maria. It also surfaces as a place name on more than one continent, and a bird native to Indonesia. As a given name, use spiked after her dad won his historic first term in the White House in November 2007.

MEADOW (#327)

We love nature names. Just ask the parents of Willow, Luna, Hazel, and Violet. Meadow manages to share the same sound and style, while still feeling a little less common. You’ve almost certainly heard it before, if only because Tony’s daughter on long-running HBO series The Sopranos was Meadow.

MALANI (#331)

Likely a Hawaiian name in the key of Malia, Leilani and other rising favorites.

MYA (#366)

Another take on popular mini name Mia … or is it an alternative to Maya?

MCKENNA (#377)

A surname name with Gaelic roots. McKenna – along with Makenna and so many Mac and Mc names – surged into popularity in the 1990s.

MELISSA (#378)

A late twentieth century favorite, almost certain to be revived in a few more generations.

MIRA (#380)

It could be Slavic or Indian, and it might mean peace or ocean. It coincides with a Spanish verb meaning “look.” In any case, it’s a brief name that feels universal and accessible – but still surprising.

MILEY (#387)

Actress-singer Miley Cyrus made her childhood nickname a favorite for our daughters. So many years after we hopped off the plane at LAX for a “Party in the USA,” this name still feels connected to the singer, but also more like a mainstream choice in the key of Millie and Riley.

MARYAM (#390)

An Arabic take on Miriam, making this another Mary cousin.

MICHELLE (#409)

A long-time favorite name from the 1960s, complete with a Beatles song.

MATILDA (#410)

There’s something quirky cool about Matilda. Maybe that’s down to the hero of the Roald Dahl children’s book. Or maybe it’s the curious Australian folk song “Waltzing Matilda.” Either way, this name sounds distinctive and different. As a bonus, the meaning is fierce: strength in battle.

MALLORY (#412)

A logical successor to Kimberly, Mallory was the big sister on 1980s sitcom hit Family Ties.

MARIAH (#413)

An older version of Maria, with a slightly different emphasis, everyone knows Mariah because of music. There’s Broadway musical Paint Your Wagon and the enduring “They Call the Wind Maria.” But for recent generations, legendary singer Mariah Carey makes this pronunciation and spelling famous.

MADILYN (#420)

One of many Madeline spellings in the current Top 1000.

MADELEINE (#437)

Possibly the most French of the possible spelling choices.

MELANY (#438)

Melanie with a Y. Swapping an -ie for a -y is popular in the Spanish-speaking world.

MAIA (#459)

Another spelling of chart-topping Maya.

MIRACLE (#469)

A word name rich with gratitude.

MACIE (#473)

Currently the most popular spelling of popular surname pick, Stacey/Tracy successor, and brand name, Macy.

MURPHY (#474)

Upbeat Irish surname forever made unisex thanks to fictional television journalist Murphy Brown.

MADDISON (#487)

A subtle twist on Madison.

MARIAM (#491)

A form of Mary used in the Greek version of the Old Testament.

MEREDITH (#492)

Meredith sounds substantial, a name with as much strength as classics like Katherine and Margaret, but a distinctive sound, too. Originally Welsh – and masculine – the first syllable hints at the name’s meaning – mer, from the sea.

MCKENZIE (#493)

Another possible spelling of Mackenzie, with emphasis on the Mc.

MARCELINE (#505)

Feminine form of ancient Roman name Marcellus. Marceline is also a name for diehard Disney fans. Walt Disney considered Marceline, Missouri his hometown and modeled the Main Street areas in his parks on the city.

MARLEE (#509)

Another take on Marley.

MADELYNN (#515)

Yet another Madeline!

MAXINE (#520)

A sparky vintage choice, Maxine has long been overlooked, even as we’ve embraced so many Max names for boys. But it’s finding favor with stylish parents lately. Max works as a nickname, just like Alex for Alexandra and Charlie for Charlotte.

MAKENNA (#525)

Another take on McKenna.

MAE (#530)

Mini name Mae packs a lot of style into such a brief sound. Mae West makes it Hollywood; The Age of Innocence’s May Welland takes it in a literary direction. It’s traditionally short for names from Mary to Margaret, but Mae stands nicely on its own, too. After all, May is also a month name, in the same category as August and June.

MAKAYLA (#542)

McKenna meets Michaela.

MARGO (#545)

Margot without the T might be more phonetically obvious, but it remains less popular than the French Margot.

MYLAH (#549)

Another in the Mia/Maya/Mila/Myla family.

MAVIS (#566)

A bird name, Mavis was borrowed for girls in the late 1800s. That’s when bestselling author Marie Corelli chose it for a character in a novel. Many years later, the Hotel Transylvania series gave the name to a teenage vampire and it found a new generation of admirers.

MAREN (#570)

Maren might be a form of Marina, which comes from the Latin marinus – of the sea. Or possibly it’s yet another Mary name. Either way, this tailored choice has caught on, helped by country-pop singer Maren Morris.

MONROE (#571)

An o-ending surname name made feminine – and glam – by the iconic Marilyn Monroe.

MALIYAH (#587)

Aaliyah meets Malia.

MARA (#588)

An effortlessly international name, compact and culture-spanning. One compelling origin: Mara is a Biblical name often associated with Mary.

MINA (#608)

Like mini names Maya, Mara, Nora, and so many more, Mina offers origins and meanings drawn from across the world.

MIRANDA (#622)

Miranda peaked in the 1990s, right around the time the world met Sex and the City’s Miranda Hobbes. But it’s not quite in the Jessica-Ashley camp, and the meaning – admirable, from the Latin mirandus – makes it worth considering this name anew.

MARLOWE (#624)

A sleek surname name set to succeed Harlow. Spellings Marlow and Marlo are other options.

MELINA (#633)

Possibly a play on Melissa, or a smoosh of two longer names, like Maria Celina, or even the end of a longer elaboration, like Carmelina. Uncommon but terribly pretty.

MARIE (#639)

French and gently old-fashioned name, Marie sounds like a sister for Josephine or Genevieve, an alternative to chart-topping Charlotte or the many-spellings of Madeline. It’s been worn by queens – think of the ill-fated Marie Antoinette – as well as world-changing women, like scientist Marie Curie. For many years, Marie served as a go-to middle. Like Mary, it’s surprising that this once wildly common name feels fresh today – at least as a first name.

MARINA (#640)

Common across continental Europe, but rare in English, Marina comes from the Latin word referring to the sea.

MAKENZIE (#641)

Mackenzie, hold the c.

MYRA (#646)

The name of an ancient Greek city, now located in modern-day Turkey, Myra became a given name in the seventeenth century. It might be another take on Mary, or it could be borrowed from the Latin myrra – meaning myrrh.

MACY (#662)

Tailored surname name with a retail vibe, also spelled Maci and Macie.

MARILYN (#666)

A Mary-Lynn smoosh made immortal by screen legend Marilyn Monroe.

MARTHA (#667)

Traditional, Biblical, and no-nonsense, Martha is a vintage gem that’s surprisingly underused.

MARIGOLD (#693)

A flower name with built-in nickname Goldie, boosted by long-running television-turned-movie series Downton Abbey. It appears in song titles, too, another boost for this botanical.

MILAN (#700)

Italian place name every bit as appealing as London or Brooklyn.

MONICA (#726)

We tend to think of Monica as a 90s name, thanks to a sitcom and a scandal. But Monica is really a vintage gem, used since at least the fourth century, well known across Europe, and with a great meaning: advisor.

MARISOL (#739)

A traditional Spanish name, made by combining Maria and Soledad – Mary, Our Lady of Solitude. But Marisol also sounds like the phrase mar y sol – sea and sun – lending a sun-drenched holiday vibe to this spiritually significant choice.

MCKINLEY (#742)

A presidential surname name, McKinley follows both Kennedy and Mackenzie.

MICHAELA (#743)

A traditional feminine form of classic Michael, Michaela soared in the 1990s, when countless respellings gave us popular M girl names like Makalya and McKayla, to name just two. Micaela is also seen, especially in Italian and other Romance languages.

MILLER (#757)

Surname name leading logically to popular Millie.

MEGAN (#761)

Originally one of many Margaret nicknames, Megan became a chart-topping favorite in the 1970s, remaining in the US Top 100 until 2008.

MIKAYLA (#777)

Another possible spelling for Michaela.

MILANA (#783)

A pretty, flowing feminine form of Milan, familiar in Slavic languages.

MILENA (#786)

Sometimes a cousin to Milana, and sometimes a contraction of names like Maria Elena.

MACI (#789)

Another spelling for surname name Macy, made famous by MTV’s Teen Mom series.

MADILYNN (#792)

One more Madeline spelling.

MAISY (#801)

Maisie meets Daisy.

MALAYA (#813)

A Filipino name meaning independent.

MEILANI (#814)

One of many -lani names that fits in with popular, Hawaiian-influenced choices.

MARJORIE (#822)

In medieval English, Margaret became Margery. The spelling shifted over the years, influenced by the herb marjoram. Today they feel like two completely distinct choices. Marjorie hit peak popularity circa the 1920s, making it poised for revival in the 2020s.

MADDIE (#837)

A nickname name for so many other choices on this list, from Madelyn and Madison to maybe even Magdalena or Marigold.

MAGDALENA (#838)

Inspired by Mary Magdalene, mainly used in Spanish, as well as Slavic countries today. English speakers have long since reduced it to Madeline.

MICAH (#841)

It sounds like a play on Michael or Michaela, but it’s actually a short form of the Old Testament Micaiah, meaning “who is like God?” In the Bible, Micaiah was used for both male and female figures, suggesting that Micah is properly unisex.

MERCY (#841)

A virtue name that feels right at home on Plymouth Rock. And yet, there’s nothing old-fashioned about the concept itself.

MALAYSIA (#857)

A place name, borrowed from the country in Southeast Asia.

MARIANNA (#858)

Romantic, elaborate Mary-Anna combination.

MARLEIGH (#912)

Marley with the feminine -leigh ending.

MADALYN (#932)

Another form of Madeline.

MAZIE (#967)

One more Maisie spelling possibility. Senator Mazie Hirono of Hawaii is one high-profile bearer of the name.

MIKAELA (#970)

One more feminine take on Michael, this one used in Norway and Sweden, or possibly invented by American parents looking for a twist on McKayla.

MALKA (#986)

Hebrew name meaning queen, currently popular in Israel.

MARIELLA (#992)

Elaboration of Maria, with the -ella of Isabella and other popular choices.

MAELYNN (#996)

Mae-plus-lynn combination, almost inevitable in our age of Madelynn. It might also be an American take on traditional Chinese double name Meilin.

RARE GIRL NAMES STARTING WITH M

MACARIA

Cheerful Spanish name derived from a Greek word meaning happy.

MADELIEF

A Dutch name meaning daisy, Madelief feels unusual, maybe even challenging, in English. And yet, the pronunciation is straightforward: mad uh leef, and close enough to favorites like Madeline to seem accessible.

MADGE, MIDGE

Throwback nickname names for many M names for girls. In Amazon Prime’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, lead character Miriam answers to Midge. Iconic singer Madonna was sometimes referred to as Madge, following her marriage to British director Guy Ritchie and move to the UK.

MADONNA

It means “my lady” in Italian, but since the 1980s this religious title for Mary has been better known as pop superstar Madonna.

MAELLE, MAELIE, MAELYS

Either a Mae-Elle smoosh, or a feminine form of Breton name Maël, meaning prince.

MAKENA

Possibly another spelling for former favorite McKenna, Makena might also have separate roots. In the Kikuyu language spoken primarily in Kenya, Makena means “the happy one.” In this case, emphasis is on the middle syllable: ma KAY nah. An American Girls doll introduced in 2021 bears this name.

MALA

Sanskrit name meaning necklace. In other languages, it might be short for names with shared sounds.

MALAYAH

Another twist on Malaya and similar names.

MALEAH

Malia influenced by traditional Leah.

MALVA, MALVINA

Rarities inspired by a Swedish flower and a Scottish poem.

MAMIE

An all-but-forgotten nickname for Mary and Margaret, actor Mamie Gummer – daughter of Meryl Streep – helps make this one slightly more familiar.

MANDOLIN

Borrowed from the instrument, a sister for Viola and Aria.

MANISHA, MONISHA

Lovely Indian name with a powerful meaning: wisdom.

MANON

Americans might struggle with this French nickname for Marie, but it attracted some attention following the success of 1986 French film Manon des Sources, a sequel to Jean de Fleurette, both based on novels.

MAPLE

A tree name similar to so many vintage M name favorites, and a potential Canadian heritage choice, too.

MARCIA, MARSHA

Brady Bunch name related to Mark. Sometimes spelled Marsha, in the key of Trisha. But Marcia can also be pronounced with three syllables: mar SEE uh.

MARE

In HBO’s Mare of Easttown, it’s short for Marianne. Actress Mare Winnigham was born Mary Meghan. It’s spare and traditional, a nickname that could stand on its own. A mare is also a female horse, which might have been an issue in an earlier generation, but feels more like a plus today.

MARGARITA

It’s the Spanish form of Margaret, but so tied to the tequila-based cocktail in the US, that it’s less wearable.

MARGUERITE

Another name related to daisies, Marguerite is the French form of Margaret – and the name of a flower, too. While classic Margaret is never out of style, the equally storied Marguerite last appeared in the US Top 1000 back in 1972.

MARIANNE, MARION

Among the seemingly endless forms of Mary Anne and Mariam, these two fail to make the current US Top 1000.

MARIBEL, MARIBELLE, and MARIBELLA

Along with Mirabel and Mariel, it’s stunning that Maribel fails to crack the US Top 1000. A Maria-Isabel smoosh, Maribel combines so many sounds that parents love.

MARIEL and MARIELLE

Marie elaboration with potential.

MARILLA

Maria elaboration instantly familiar to Anne of Green Gables fans.

MARISA and MARISSA

A former favorite, Marisa started out as a contraction of Maria Luisa. The double S spelling rocketed into the US Top 100 in the 1990s, with Marisa not far behind. One reason? Actress Marisa Tomei, who graduated from sitcom A Different World to comedy blockbuster My Cousin Vinny. She won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for the latter.

MARLENA, MARLENE

Probably originally a shortened form of Magdalena. Actress Marlene – pronounced Marlena in her native German – made this a 1930s sensation.

MARLO

Possibly a sparer spelling of surname Marlowe, but likely a midcentury nickname name with a retro vibe.

MARTA

Marta is simply a form of Martha used in many European languages. But while Martha feels gently antique, Marta sounds like a little globe-trotter, a name at home on nearly any continent, easily moving between languages and cultures.

MASSIMA

Italian feminine form of the Max names, potentially a formal name for Mazzy or Maisie.

MATEA, MATTEA

Feminine form of Matthew.

MATTIE

A boyish nickname name that sounds just like the ubiquitous Maddie.

MAZIKEEN

A name invented for Lucifer – a comic turned television series about demons living it up in Los Angeles, and also solving crimes.

MAZZY

A rarity found in bigger numbers than you might guess, Mazzy is known as the older daughter of Mommy Shorts blogger llana Wiles. There’s also 1990s indie rock band Mazzy Star. It might also be another take on Maisie.

MAUD, MAUDE

Once a medieval staple, Maude is Matilda’s antique cousin. And while it’s been ages since the name – with or without the final ‘e’ – has been at the top of the popularity charts, it feels like Maude is ripe for revival.

MAURA

Sometimes a Latin name, and other times an Irish one, Maura has never been common in the US, but remains steadily familiar.

MAUREEN

An Irish nickname name ultimately derived from Mary, Maureen became a favorite in the US during the 1940s. Glamorous, Dublin-born Hollywood star Maureen O’Hara boosted the name.

MAUVE

Rare color name, and a cousin to Maeve and Maude.

MAZARINE

Mazarine is a novelty in its native France. It’s borrowed from an Italian family name of debated origin. Mazzarino came to France with seventeenth century cardinal Giulio Mazzarino, who became Jules Mazarin in his new home. The oldest public library, Bibliothèque Mazarine, is named in his honor. And, in turn, girls have been name for the library since the 1990s.

MEGHAN

Another spelling of Megan, one that rocketed back into the spotlight – and onto the popularity charts – when American actress Meghan Markle married Prince Harry.

MELISANDE, MELISANDRE

An old French form of Millicent. Change it to Melisandre, and it’s a Game of Thrones name.

MELUSINA, MELUSINE

Mermaid-inspired name.

MERCEDES

Long before it was a luxury car brand, Mercedes was a traditional given name meaning “mercies.” The automobile company took its name from the founder’s daughter.

MERIDIAN

Alice Walker gave this name to a character in one of her stories, but Meridian isn’t a given name originally. Instead, it’s a term borrowed from cartographers. It can refer to longitude. It can also mean a high point, which makes Meridian a subtle virtue name.

MERLE

Merle rhymes with Pearl, and has several possible origins. Perhaps the most appealing: the French word for blackbird.

MERYL

As in famous actress Streep, born Mary Louise.

MESSALINA

Borrowed from an ancient Roman family name. It’s terribly pretty, though history suggests the most famous Messalina, the wife of first century Emperor Claudius, was a villain.

MIGNON, MIGNONETTE

A French term meaning darling. Mignonette is even cuter, a double diminutive meaning “little darling.” In The Princess Diaries, Mignongette is one of Princess Amelia’s middle names.

MILLICENT

Gentle, antique Millicent comes with a fierce meaning. It’s derived from elements meaning “work” and “strength.” It could be the perfect alternative to favorites like Evelyn and Abigail, plus it offers built-in nickname Millie.

MILOU

A Marie-Louise combination, Milou feels breezy and French, a name forever pedaling a classic bicycle past the Eiffel Tower with a baguette in her bag. In Dutch, it’s Malou. Both work in English, especially with so many Lou names feeling very stylish right now.

MINDUELLE

Korean name meaning dandelion.

MINERVA

The Roman equivalent of Athena, goddess of wisdom and also war, Minerva is familiar to a new generation thanks to The Wizarding World’s Professor Minerva McGonagall, played so capably in the movies by Maggie Smith.

MINIVER

A surname name, Miniver might ring a bell thanks to classic 1942 film Mrs. Miniver, starring Greer Garson as a steadfast British housewife during World War II. It scooped up a handful of Oscars, including Best Picture. Today, though, Miniver blends our love of that middle ‘v’ sound, a stylish ‘r’ ending, and just enough resemblance to given names to succeed in the same way that Madison and Harper do.

MINNIE

A nickname for any of the Min- choices on this list, made famous by Mickey Mouse’s beloved and the established actor Minnie Driver, born Amelia.

MINUET

Another musical name, Minuet picks up on the same trends as Melody and company.

MIRABEL, MIRABELLE, and MIRABELLA

Ultimately from the Latin mirabilis – wonderful – this name was made famous by 2021 Disney hit Encanto.

MIREI

A Japanese name meaning “beautiful,” Mirei feels like a natural choice for parents seeking a cross-cultural name.

MIREILLE

A ninteenth century innovation for a French poem, Mireille likely comes from a word meaning “admire.” It sounds something like MEE RAY, but the exact French pronunciation is difficult to capture.

MITZI

A German nickname, originally used for Maria.

MOIRA

This name is a both another spelling for Maura, and the Greek word for fate.

MONA

Short name with global appeal, and multiple meanings, including the Arabic “wishes.”

MONET

Surnames borrowed from artists have potential, particularly Monet. It rhymes with Renee and Janelle Monáe.

MONSERRAT, MONTSERRAT

Spanish name inspired by the name of a mountain near Barcelona.

MORRIGAN

Straight out of Irish legend, Morrigan is former favorite Morgan with an extra syllable added. It means “great queen,” but Morrigan is a goddess of war, sometimes associated with loss, but also with victory.

MORWENNA

Cornish saint name meaning maiden.

MURIEL

An old school Scottish and Irish name with a lovely, vibrant meaning: bright sea.

MYRNA

An Irish import, briefly made popular by 1940s actress Myrna Loy.

MYRTLE

A nature name borrowed from the evergreen shrub.

What are your favorite girl names starting with M?

First published on September 15, 2020, this post was revised and updated on November 22, 2021; December 19, 2022; November 13, 2023; July 22, 2024; and August 28, 2025.