This list includes 57 Dog name ideas that start with M, from “Mabel” to “Myra”. You’ll find single-word, easy-to-pronounce names useful for pet profiles, adoption decisions, and everyday calling.

Dog name ideas that start with M are single-word names beginning with M, often short and easy to call. Names like “Mabel” reflect classic English usage while “Maya” shows global cultural borrowing.

Below you’ll find the table with Name, Origin, Pronunciation, and Meaning.

Name: The dog name itself, so you can scan favorites and compare styles at a glance.

Origin: The language or culture where the name comes from, helping you choose meaningful or culturally fitting names.

Pronunciation: A simple phonetic guide to help you say the name correctly and test how it sounds when called.

Meaning: A concise one-line definition or note about the name’s sense, origin, or common associations for quick decision-making.

Dog name ideas that start with M

NameScientific nameOrigin (language/culture)Pronunciation (simple phonetic)
MaxCanis lupus familiarisGermanic/LatinMAX
MollyCanis lupus familiarisIrishMAH-lee
MiloCanis lupus familiarisGermanic/SlavicMY-loh
MaggieCanis lupus familiarisEnglishMAG-ee
MarleyCanis lupus familiarisEnglishMAR-lee
MurphyCanis lupus familiarisIrishMUR-fee
MontyCanis lupus familiarisEnglishMON-tee
MasonCanis lupus familiarisEnglishMAY-sun
MiaCanis lupus familiarisItalian/ScandinavianMEE-ah
MayaCanis lupus familiarisSanskrit/HebrewMY-ah
MaddieCanis lupus familiarisEnglishMAD-ee
MaddoxCanis lupus familiarisWelshMAD-ox
MaverickCanis lupus familiarisEnglishMAV-rick
MaximusCanis lupus familiarisLatinMAX-i-muss
MaxineCanis lupus familiarisLatin/FrenchMAX-een
MooseCanis lupus familiarisEnglishMOOS
MojoCanis lupus familiarisAfrican/English slangMOH-joh
MochaCanis lupus familiarisArabicMOH-chuh
MochiCanis lupus familiarisJapaneseMOH-chee
MikoCanis lupus familiarisJapaneseMEE-koh
MikaCanis lupus familiarisJapanese/ScandinavianMEE-kah
MishaCanis lupus familiarisRussianMEE-shah
MinnieCanis lupus familiarisEnglishMIN-ee
MistyCanis lupus familiarisEnglishMIS-tee
MabelCanis lupus familiarisEnglishMAY-bell
MatildaCanis lupus familiarisGermanicmuh-TIL-duh
MarcusCanis lupus familiarisLatinMAR-kuss
MagnusCanis lupus familiarisLatin/ScandinavianMAG-nuss
MerlinCanis lupus familiarisWelsh/LegendMER-lin
MapleCanis lupus familiarisEnglishMAY-pul
MangoCanis lupus familiarisSpanish/EnglishMAN-goh
MaruCanis lupus familiarisJapaneseMAH-roo
MarisCanis lupus familiarisLatinMAH-riss
MarigoldCanis lupus familiarisLatinMAR-ee-gohld
MarlowCanis lupus familiarisEnglishMAR-loh
MarcelCanis lupus familiarisFrenchmar-SELL
MateoCanis lupus familiarisSpanishmah-TAY-oh
MatteoCanis lupus familiarisItalianmahn-TAY-oh
MatteaCanis lupus familiarisItalianmah-TAY-uh
MauiCanis lupus familiarisPolynesianMOW-ee
MoanaCanis lupus familiarisPolynesianMOH-ah-nah
MosesCanis lupus familiarisHebrewMOH-zess
MoCanis lupus familiarisEnglish/ArabicMOH
MacCanis lupus familiarisGaelicMAK
MaisieCanis lupus familiarisScottishMAY-zee
MacyCanis lupus familiarisEnglishMAY-see
MaiaCanis lupus familiarisGreek/RomanMY-ah
MiraCanis lupus familiarisLatin/SlavicMEE-rah
MyraCanis lupus familiarisLatin/GreekMY-rah
MillieCanis lupus familiarisEnglishMIL-ee
MinkaCanis lupus familiarisSlavic/YiddishMINK-uh
MinervaCanis lupus familiarisLatinmih-NUR-vuh
MagnumCanis lupus familiarisLatinMAG-num
MowgliCanis lupus familiarisFictional/HindiMOW-glee
MoonyCanis lupus familiarisEnglishMOO-nee
MikoCanis lupus familiarisJapaneseMEE-koh
MinkaCanis lupus familiarisSlavicMINK-ah

Descriptions

Max
Short form of Maximilian/Maximus (Latin/Germanic); strong, popular and easy-to-call name for dogs of any size.
Molly
Irish diminutive of Mary; friendly, classic female name popular for small-to-medium dogs and very affectionate-sounding.
Milo
Old German/Slavic roots; playful, short name that suits energetic, curious dogs and is widely used for pets.
Maggie
Diminutive of Margaret (English); warm, familiar name that fits gentle or older dogs and remains a popular choice.
Marley
English surname-turned-name meaning “pleasant wood”; evokes the famous dog/pop-culture uses and suits friendly companions.
Murphy
Irish surname meaning “sea warrior”; quirky and lovable, common for spirited or stocky breeds.
Monty
Short for Montgomery (English); cheeky, upbeat name often used for lively or clever dogs.
Mason
English occupational name meaning “stoneworker”; modern, human-style name popular with many owners.
Mia
Short, international name (Italian/Scandinavian); sweet and simple, great for small or affectionate dogs.
Maya
Multicultural origins (Sanskrit/Hebrew); means illusion or water, widely used and beautiful for sensitive or graceful dogs.
Maddie
Diminutive of Madison/Madeleine; casual, friendly name often used for family pets and easy to call.
Maddox
Welsh surname meaning “son of Madoc”; bold, modern-sounding name that suits strong or adventurous dogs.
Maverick
English word meaning independent or unbranded; trendy, strong name for confident, free-spirited dogs.
Maximus
Latin superlative meaning “greatest”; dramatic and powerful, often chosen for large breeds or bold personalities.
Maxine
Feminine form of Max (Latin/French); elegant, vintage-sounding choice for female dogs.
Moose
Common noun used as a pet name; whimsical and humorous, works well for big, gentle dogs.
Mojo
From African via English slang meaning charm or energy; playful, characterful name for lively pets.
Mocha
Named for the coffee/chocolate color (Arabic origin); cozy, apt for brown-coated dogs.
Mochi
Japanese sweet rice cake name; cute, short, and fitting for small, adorable dogs.
Miko
Japanese given name; friendly, concise name that suits petite or energetic dogs.
Mika
Multicultural name (Japanese/Scandinavian); bright, short, and easy to call for many dogs.
Misha
Russian diminutive of Mikhail; soft-sounding, gender-neutral name common for pets.
Minnie
Diminutive of Minerva or Wilhelmina (English/Latin); sweet, classic name ideal for small or gentle dogs.
Misty
English word name evoking fog or softness; feminine, atmospheric name often chosen for pale or shy dogs.
Mabel
From Latin amabilis via Old English; vintage and charming, popular for affectionate, calm dogs.
Matilda
Germanic name meaning “mighty in battle”; classic, strong female name that suits sturdy or feisty dogs.
Marcus
Latin given name (related to Mars); traditional, dignified choice often used for male dogs.
Magnus
Latin/Scandinavian name meaning “great”; grand, good for large breeds or noble temperaments.
Merlin
Legendary wizard name of Welsh origin; whimsical and magical, popular for clever or mysterious pets.
Maple
English word and plant name; warm, cozy choice often favored for reddish-brown or sweet-tempered dogs.
Mango
Fruit name used playfully as a pet name; bright and tropical-sounding, great for cheerful dogs.
Maru
Japanese name meaning “round” or suffix for nicknames; short, cute, and widely used for small pets.
Maris
Latin name meaning “of the sea”; elegant, uncommon but pleasant for calm or sea-loving owners.
Marigold
Flower name from Latin (sea of gold); flowery and cheerful, suits gentle or bright-coated dogs.
Marlow
English surname/given name meaning “driftwood”; modern, stylish choice used for both sexes.
Marcel
French form of Marcellus; suave, classic name that can suit refined or dignified dogs.
Mateo
Spanish form of Matthew meaning “gift of God”; friendly, popular human name often used for pets.
Matteo
Italian form of Matthew; melodic, fashionable name that fits warm, loyal dogs.
Mattea
Feminine Italian form of Matthew; elegant female name for gentle or affectionate dogs.
Maui
Polynesian mythological name and island; evokes adventure and aloha spirit, suitable for playful pets.
Moana
Polynesian word for “ocean”; lyrical and meaningful, good for water-loving or graceful dogs.
Moses
Biblical Hebrew name; dignified and familiar, sometimes used for calm, dependable dogs.
Mo
Short form of Mohammed or Morris; extremely short and practical, ideal for quick recall in training.
Mac
Gaelic-derived nickname meaning “son”; friendly, punchy name that’s been popular for dogs for decades.
Maisie
Scottish diminutive of Margaret; sweet, jaunty pet name frequently chosen for small or playful dogs.
Macy
Surname-turned-given name; crisp and modern, popular for stylish or petite pets.
Maia
Classical name with mythological roots; elegant, international-sounding choice for graceful dogs.
Mira
Multilingual name meaning “wonder” or “peace”; short, pretty, and well-suited for calm companions.
Myra
Victorian-era name possibly meaning “admirable”; vintage charm, works well for gentle female dogs.
Millie
Diminutive of Mildred or Amelia; cute, popular choice for small, affectionate dogs.
Minka
Slavic/Yiddish origins; quirky, memorable name often picked for lively or unique pets.
Minerva
Roman goddess name meaning wisdom; classical and strong, used for dignified female dogs.
Magnum
Latin for “great” or large; bold, macho choice sometimes used for big, imposing breeds.
Mowgli
Fictional character name from Rudyard Kipling with South Asian flavor; playful and adventurous, suits bold dogs.
Moony
Affectionate, whimsical variant of Moon; cute for dreamy or pale-coated pets.
Miko
Japanese given name and nickname; short, pleasant, and well-suited for small to medium dogs.
Minka
Slavic origin meaning “strong” or pet nickname; charming, quirky, and friendly for smaller dogs.
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