Maine baby names evoke the rugged independence of this tiny state.
Located at the tip of the northeastern United States, tucked between New Hampshire and Canada, Maine is 39th in terms of geographic size and just 43rd in population.
Mainers are nearly 95% white, with 1% to 2% indigenous, African American, Latino/Hispanic, and Asian populations. There’s no question that this drives naming trends in the state.
It’s also the state with the highest percentage of French speakers, ahead of even Louisiana. But that’s still only around 3% of the population.
Despite a small number of indigenous peoples, the Wabanaki Confederacy continues to represent the Algonquian-speaking peoples that long made their homes in the region.
French settlers arrived in 1604; a short-lived English settlement followed in 1607. The unforgiving climate, coupled with conflict with indigenous people, caused many European settlements to fail.
For many years, Maine wasn’t a state at all. It was part of Massachusetts. Not until 1820 did it become the 23rd state.
Despite the state’s small size, Maine’s image looms large. The famous sinking of the USS Maine in 1898 precipitated the Spanish-American War. If you’re ever heard the phrase “Remember the Maine,” then you know at least one part of the story.
We think of lobster and blueberries, dense forests and rocky coasts. It’s a romantic and sometimes overlooked place. Let’s dive into
MAINE AS A BABY NAME
Given the state’s French history, it’s not surprising that Maine likely comes from a region in France. While the province has been replaced by other departments, split between Sarthe and Mayenne. Maine-et-Loire borders the area, and the Maine River is also part of the region.
Visit the city of Le Mans today, and you can see part of the Palais des comtes du Maine. It’s now the city’s town hall.
Back to Maine, the name: the original meaning is unclear. A Gallic tribe known as the Aulerci Cenomani long called the area home. From the 1st century BC to the 5th century AD, the Romans ruled Gaul. The province was known as Cinomanico, Celmanico, Cemaine, and the eventually, Le Maine around the 1100s.
We’ve been speculating about the meaning for ages. Some suggest it might mean “the far going one.” Other connect it to the Welsh word for family. Ultimately, it’s unknown.
What we do know is that French explorers called the region Maine early days, and it has stuck.
Sparked by the Spanish-American War, the baby name Maine debuted in the US data in the year 1898. So did Mayne. Havana and Cuba also saw some use. They’ve faded from use, but the baby name Maine could have some appeal in our age of London, Dakota, and Cairo.
TOP TEN BOY NAMES IN MAINE
10. HUDSON (#22 in the US)
This name often rises in the Top Tens of states, particulary where the Spanish-speaking population is too small to push romance language picks like Mateo farther up the popularity charts.
9. JAMES (#5 in the US)
A classic in favor everywhere.
8. LIAM (#1 in the US)
The top name nationally falls in Maine. We think of Liam as Irish, and it very much is! But it’s also a favorite with Spanish-speaking families, so the lack of lingusitic diversity drops Liam a few rungs.
7. LINCOLN (#73 in the US)
A vast over-performance for Lincoln in this state that also includes a town and county by the name.
6. NOAH (#2 in the US)
The second-place name in the US falls slightly in Maine.
5. OWEN (#26 in the US)
Another name that often soars into the US Top Ten.
4. JACK (#15 in the US)
Classic Jack is more popular here than some other places.
3. HENRY (#6 in the US)
Another traditional name near the top.
2. THEODORE (#4 in the US)
Theodore moves up just a spot or two.
1. OLIVER (#3 in the US)
Like a few other states, Oliver takes the top position in Maine.
TOP 100 MAINE BOY NAMES
- Oliver
- Theodore
- Henry
- Jack
- Owen
- Noah
- Lincoln
- Liam
- James
- Hudson
- Levi
- Wyatt
- Carter
- Wesley
- William
- Thomas
- Asher
- Jackson
- Logan
- Lucas
- Bennett
- Leo
- Samuel
- Waylon
- Grayson
- Maverick
- Miles
- Cameron
- Luca
- Beau
- Benjamin
- Cooper
- Weston
- Everett
- Jameson*
- Rowan
- Charles
- Ezra
- Nolan
- Daniel
- Calvin*
- Harrison*
- John
- Mason
- Connor*
- Sawyer*
- Elijah
- Gabriel
- Milo*
- Beckett*
- Brooks
- Colton
- Declan*
- Emmett*
- George*
- Parker
- Silas
- Walker
- Atlas*
- Easton*
- Luke
- Arthur*
- Bentley*
- Joseph
- Alexander
- Callum*
- Charlie*
- Elias
- Ethan
- Matthew
- Myles
- Arlo*
- David
- Jasper*
- Jaxon
- Landon*
- Malcolm*
- Roman
- August
- Cole
- Julian
- Michael
- Tatum*
- Eli
- Ezekiel
- Graham*
- Isaac
- Joshua
- Reid*
- Robert
- Theo
- Dawson*
- Hunter
- Rory*
- Xavier*
- Austin*
- Beckham*
- Caleb
- Callan*
- Carson*
* indicates the name does not appear in the current US Top 100
TOP TEN GIRL NAMES IN MAINE
10. ADDISON (#68 in the US)
Several surname-style names, like Hadley and Emerson, are also more popular than the national numbers suggest.
9. NORA (#22 in the US)
A quiet classic, Nora steps into this state’s Top Ten.
8. HAZEL (#19 in the US)
A nature name, Hazel sounds just right in Maine.
7. EMMA (#2 in the US)
Just like the boy’s list, lots of the top names nationally slip a bit here.
6. AMELIA (#3 in the US)
Another traditional favorite.
5. SOPHIA (#6 in the US)
Sophia makes the Top Ten here, while Sofia fails to even crack the Top 100.
4. ELEANOR (#14 in the US)
An enduring classic overperforming in Maine.
3. EVELYN (#8 in the US)
The Top Ten shuffle continues, with traditional Eleanor jumping up to #3.
2. OLIVIA (#1 in the US)
Olivia falls back just one spot.
1. CHARLOTTE (#4 in the US)
Just like Oliver taking over the top spot for boys, buttoned-up Charlotte is on top for girls.
TOP 100 MAINE GIRL NAMES
- Charlotte
- Olivia
- Evelyn
- Eleanor
- Sophia
- Amelia
- Emma
- Hazel
- Nora
- Addison
- Grace
- Harper
- Ella
- Penelope
- Aurora
- Avery
- Chloe
- Willow
- Ivy
- Lucy
- Ava
- Lily
- Isla
- Mia
- Natalie
- Violet
- Josephine
- Elizabeth
- Hadley*
- Maeve
- Scarlett
- Zoe
- Adeline
- Alice
- Ellie
- Madeline
- Lainey
- Lillian
- Nova
- Claire
- Eloise
- Josie
- Aria
- Layla
- Madelyn
- Vivian
- Zoey
- Iris
- Millie
- Sophie
- Esme*
- Kinsley
- Abigail
- Clara
- Delilah
- Eden
- Emilia
- Juniper*
- Luna
- Phoebe*
- Quinn
- Athena
- Georgia*
- Lydia
- Madison
- Paisley
- Raelynn*
- Riley
- Saylor*
- Emily
- Freya*
- Lila*
- Mabel*
- Maya
- Stella
- Eliza*
- Elsie*
- Emerson*
- Hallie*
- Isabella
- Isabelle
- Margaret*
- Piper*
- Sadie
- Audrey
- Daisy
- Elliana*
- Genevieve*
- Kennedy
- Maisie*
- Margot*
- Olive*
- Ophelia*
- River*
- Rosalie*
- Anna
- Bailey*
- Caroline
- Cecilia*
- Cora*
* indicates name does not appear in the current US Top 100
DISTINCTIVE MAINE TOWNS and MORE PLACE NAMES
ACADIA
Possibly the most obvious of pleasing Maine baby names, Acadia National Park puts this one on the list. It comes from a Mi’kmaq term, akadie.That translates to “piece of land.” French explorers understood it as l’Acadie, and it became Acadia in English.
AUGUSTA
Maine’s capital, Augusta, was named for the daughter of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 military officer Henry Dearborn. If that surname sounds familiar, it’s because Dearborn, Michigan, was named for Henry. As place names go, the Georgia city is more famous, but Augusta belongs with Maine baby names, too.
BAILEY
The name of a tiny island is Casco Bay.
BRISTOL
This coastal town had several names, but ultimately shares one with Bristol, England, the hometown of the two influential merchants who established a trading post here in 1632.
CAMDEN
One of the most beautiful coastal towns on Route 1 and home to Mount Battie.
CARRA
The Carrabassett Valley is home to popular ski resort Sugarloaf. Some stories suggest Carrabassett comes from the name of a Penobscot Nation chief. At least one linguistic says it’s possible, but proof is elusive. Carra is frequently suggested as one of the best ski-focused Maine baby names.
CASTINE
Even before the Plymouth Colony was established, Castine was settled. Located on Penobscot Bay at the top of Acadia, it was often in the middle of conflict between nations vying to control the region. The town was named for Jean-Vincent d’Abbadie de Saint-Castin, a French military officer.
CORINNA
A village northwest of Bangor, Corinna was named for the daughter of property owner John Warren, a Boston doctor who wished to encourage development of the area.
DAMARIS
The Damariscotta River almost sounds like a romance language elaboration of New Testament name Damaris. Instead, it comes from an Abenaki phrase meaning “river of many fishes.”
EASTON
A tiny town with a fairly common place name, Easton appears on this list of Maine baby names because it is, indeed, more popular for boys than the national average might suggest.
ELIZABETH
Cape Elizabeth is home to the oldest lighthouse in the state, the Portland Head Light.
HARBOR
Resort town Bar Harbor is home to much of Acadia National Park.
HOLDEN
Holden, Maine is located east of Bangor, a small town with a polished name.
KATAHDIN
If many of these Maine baby names relate to small towns with only subtle ties to the state, Katahdin is the opposite. It’s the highest mountain in the state; the name translates to “great mountain” in the language of the Penobscot people. The mountain itself is famous, and the name immediately suggests a rugged, challenging kind of beauty that’s so-very Maine.
KNOX
Named for Bostonian and Founding Father Henry Knox.
LILY
Named for wild lillies that grow near its shores, Lily Bay shares its name with Lily Bay State Park. It’s a very on-trend ecovintage pick for a daughter that is both tied to the region and so much bigger, too.
LINCOLN
Lincoln County was named for the city in England.
MONROE
A Maine town named for President James Monroe.
RANGELEY
Rangeley Lake, River, and a town are all named for an Englishman who owned property in the area.
REID
Reid State Park is one of the few places in Maine with sandy beaches and dunes.
SULLIVAN
Named for an early settler to the region, Sullivan – or Sully – is part of the Acadia region.
VAUGHAN
As in Vaughan Woods State Park.
WALDO
The name of a town and county, ultimately named for Samuel Waldo, a wealthy Boston-born landowner and military officer in the early 1700s.
NAMES FROM MAINE HISTORY & SYMBOLS
BLUE
The state is famous for its blueberries.
BOWDOIN
As in the Bowdoin Schooner, the official state sailing vessel, built in 1921. The schooner was built for Arctic exploration, and it has regularly ventured above the Arctic Circle. It’s named for Bowdoin College, also in Maine, which is named for a Boston merchant-turned-governor of Massachusetts. Pronounce it just like Boden.
DIRIGO
A Latin phrase, Dirigo means “I direct.” It’s a reference to the North Star, which appears on the state flag. Maybe it’s more of a middle name possibility, but Dirigo is interesting – and actually rather name-like.
MAPLE
As in maple syrup.
MOXIE
Moxie refers to a specific sort of energy and determination; a kind of fearless daring. It turns out that our word moxie comes from one of the first carbonated beverages ever produced in the US, originally called Moxie Nerve Food. It’s long been popular in New England, and Maine adopted it as the state’s official soft drink in 2005.
PINE
Because Maine is known as the Pine Tree state and the eastern white pine is the official tree.
TOURMALINE
The state’s gemstone, rarer than Ruby or Pearl, but potentially wearable.
WINTER, WINTERGREEN
The state herb is wintergreen. Seasonal Winter is far more name-like, but Wintergreen might be a cool, compelling middle.
FAMOUS MAINERS
ALBION
A poetic name for Great Britain, Albion is sometimes heard as a given name. Albion Parris served as the state’s fifth governor, a senator, and eventually Comptroller of the Currency for the US Treasury. Pioneering academic Albion Small is also a native of Maine. At the University of Chicago, he helped establish the field of sociology.
DOROTHEA
Activist Dorothea Dix advocated for the mentally ill and served as a Superintendent of Army Nurses during the Civil War. Technically, she was born in Massachusetts, but in the part of the state that would shortly break off to become Maine.
EDNA
The poet Edna St. Vincent Millay won the Pulitzer Prize in 1923. A native of Rockland, Maine, her unusual middle name is a reference to a New York City hospital that saved her uncle’s life.
EFFIE
Another Rockland native, Effie Crockett was an actress and songwriter. She’s credited for writing the lyrics to “Rock-a-bye Baby.” But that was 1872; earlier versions of the song lyrics are in print as early as 1765.
HANNIBAL
Hannibal Hamlin would eventually serve as the state’s governor, as well as a senator from Maine. But he’s remembered as running mate and vice president to Abraham Lincoln during Lincoln’s first term.
JIGGER
Born Albert Lewis Johnson, the legendary lumberjack and fire warden was almost always known as Jigger. Born in Fryeburg, Maine, he’s remembered with Jigger Johnson Campsite in New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest.
LEON
LL Bean is synonymous with the state of Maine. LL stood for Leon Leonwood Bean. Some suggest his middle name was originally Linwood.
MACE
A Broadway star who made the leap to silent films in the early days of Hollywood, Mace Greenleaf was born in Dixfield, Maine.
MARGARET
Margaret Chase Smith would become the first woman to serve in both the US House of Representatives and the Senate, representing Maine. She’s famed for her Declaration of Conscience speech, opposing McCarthyism.
STEPHEN
The King of Horror and one of the all-time best-selling authors, Stephen King was born in Portland, Maine. He also set many of his stories in his home state, from fictional Derry to real-life Bridgton.
WINSLOW
Landscape painter Winslow Homer became one of the leading American artists of the 19th century. Born in Boston, he’s particularly known for the work he did living in Maine, just feet from the ocean. Many of his most famous works depict the churning seas off the coast, like Undertow or Maine Coast. His studio is open to tours seasonally.
