This page brings together 62 English names that start with the letter M, running alphabetically from “Mabel” all the way to “Myrtle.” You’ll find a rich mix of classic, vintage, and modern picks for boys, girls, and unisex use. People turn to lists like this when naming a baby, choosing a character for a story, or simply exploring the meaning and history behind a favorite name.

English names are the personal first names commonly used across English-speaking countries, drawn from many roots including Hebrew, Latin, Greek, Celtic, and Old English. Many carry deep histories, like Mary, which was the most popular English girls’ name for centuries. Others, like Maverick and Mason, show how surnames and bold words have crossed over into stylish modern given names.

Below you’ll find the table with Name, Gender, Origin, Meaning, Famous Namesakes, and Description.

Name: This shows the exact spelling of each name, listed in alphabetical order so you can quickly scan and find the one you are looking for.

Gender: This tells you whether a name is typically used for males, females, or works comfortably as a unisex choice for any child.

Origin: This points to the language or culture a name comes from, helping you understand its background and how it connects to wider traditions.

Meaning: This gives the core sense behind each name, so you can choose one whose definition matches the feeling or message you want.

Famous Namesakes: This lists a well-known person or character who shares the name, giving you a real-world reference and a sense of its style.

Description: This offers a short, friendly summary of each name’s history and character, helping you decide if it fits the tone you have in mind.

English names

NameGenderOriginMeaningFamous Namesakes
MabelFemaleLatinLovableMabel Normand (actress)
MackenzieUnisexScottish/GaelicSon of the fair oneMackenzie Davis (actress)
MadelineFemaleFrenchOf Magdala; high towerMadeline Kahn (actress)
MadisonFemaleEnglishSon of MaudMadison Beer (singer)
MaeveFemaleIrishShe who intoxicatesMaeve Binchy (author)
MaggieFemaleGreekPearlMaggie Smith (actress)
MalcolmMaleScottish/GaelicDevotee of Saint ColumbaMalcolm X (activist)
MarcusMaleLatinDedicated to MarsMarcus Aurelius (Roman emperor)
MargaretFemaleGreekPearlMargaret Thatcher (PM)
MarieFemaleFrench/LatinBeloved; bitterMarie Curie (scientist)
MarilynFemaleEnglishCombination of Mary and LynnMarilyn Monroe (actress)
MarionUnisexFrenchOf MaryMarion Cotillard (actress)
MarkMaleLatinDedicated to MarsMark Twain (author)
MarleneFemaleGerman/EnglishCombination of Mary and MagdaleneMarlene Dietrich (actress)
MarshallMaleEnglish/FrenchHorse servant; caretakerMarshall Mathers (Eminem)
MarthaFemaleAramaicLady; mistress of the houseMartha Stewart (entrepreneur)
MartinMaleLatinOf Mars; warlikeMartin Luther King Jr.
MarvinMaleWelsh/EnglishSea friendMarvin Gaye (singer)
MaryFemaleHebrewBeloved; bitterMary Shelley (author)
MasonMaleEnglishStoneworkerMason Mount (footballer)
MatildaFemaleGermanMighty in battleMatilda (Roald Dahl character)
MatthewMaleHebrewGift of GodMatthew McConaughey (actor)
MaudFemaleGermanMighty in battleMaud Gonne (activist)
MaureenFemaleIrishStar of the sea; belovedMaureen O’Hara (actress)
MaverickMaleEnglishIndependent; nonconformistMaverick (Top Gun character)
MaxMaleLatinGreatestMax Verstappen (driver)
MaxineFemaleLatinGreatestMaxine Waters (politician)
MaxwellMaleScottishGreat streamMaxwell (singer)
MayFemaleEnglishThe month; pearlMay Sarton (poet)
MayaFemaleMultipleIllusion; water; motherMaya Angelou (poet)
MeganFemaleWelshPearlMegan Rapinoe (footballer)
MelanieFemaleGreekDark; blackMelanie Griffith (actress)
MelissaFemaleGreekBee; honeyMelissa McCarthy (actress)
MelodyFemaleGreekSong; tuneMelody Gardot (singer)
MercyFemaleEnglishCompassion; clemencyMercy Otis Warren (writer)
MeredithUnisexWelshGreat lord; sea protectorMeredith Vieira (host)
MiaFemaleItalian/ScandinavianMine; belovedMia Farrow (actress)
MichaelMaleHebrewWho is like God?Michael Jordan (athlete)
MichelleFemaleFrenchWho is like God?Michelle Obama (First Lady)
MildredFemaleEnglishGentle strengthMildred Pierce (film character)
MilesMaleLatin/GermanSoldier; mercifulMiles Davis (musician)
MillicentFemaleGermanStrong in workMillicent Fawcett (suffragist)
MillieFemaleGerman/LatinStrong in work; gentle strengthMillie Bobby Brown (actress)
MiloMaleGerman/LatinSoldier; mercifulMilo Ventimiglia (actor)
MiraFemaleLatin/SlavicWonderful; peaceMira Sorvino (actress)
MirandaFemaleLatinWorthy of admirationMiranda Hart (comedian)
MiriamFemaleHebrewBeloved; bitterMiriam Makeba (singer)
MitchellMaleEnglish/HebrewWho is like God?Mitchell Johnson (cricketer)
MollyFemaleHebrewBeloved; bitterMolly Ringwald (actress)
MonaFemaleIrish/GreekNoble; solitaryMona Lisa (painting subject)
MonicaFemaleLatin/GreekAdvisor; solitaryMonica Seles (tennis player)
MonroeUnisexScottishMouth of the Roe riverMonroe (after Marilyn)
MontgomeryMaleEnglish/FrenchManpower; mountain of the powerful manMontgomery Clift (actor)
MorganUnisexWelshSea-born; sea circleMorgan Freeman (actor)
MorrisMaleLatinDark-skinned; MoorishMorris (the cat mascot)
MortimerMaleFrenchStill water; dead seaMortimer Mouse (Disney character)
MosesMaleHebrewDrawn out of the waterMoses (biblical prophet)
MurielFemaleIrish/GaelicBright seaMuriel Spark (author)
MurphyUnisexIrishSea warriorMurphy Brown (TV character)
MurrayMaleScottishSettlement by the seaMurray Walker (broadcaster)
MyraFemaleLatin/GreekMyrrh; admiredMyra Hess (pianist)
MyrtleFemaleGreekThe myrtle treeMyrtle Wilson (Gatsby character)

Descriptions

Mabel
A vintage charmer revived in recent years, Mabel comes from the Latin “amabilis” and carries a sweet, old-fashioned appeal.
Mackenzie
Originally a Scottish surname, Mackenzie became a popular unisex first name, especially for girls, from the 1990s onward.
Madeline
A graceful classic linked to the storybook heroine, Madeline derives from Magdalene and stays a perennial favorite.
Madison
A surname-turned-given-name that surged after the film “Splash,” Madison is now firmly among the most popular girls’ names.
Maeve
Rooted in Irish legend as a warrior queen, Maeve has a strong, lyrical quality that has driven its modern revival.
Maggie
A friendly short form of Margaret, Maggie stands confidently on its own and conveys warmth and approachability.
Malcolm
A dignified Scottish royal name borne by several kings, Malcolm blends history with a grounded, masculine feel.
Marcus
A timeless name with Roman roots tied to the god of war, Marcus has stayed in steady use for centuries.
Margaret
One of English’s great classic names, Margaret has spawned countless nicknames and is associated with saints and queens.
Marie
A French form of Mary, Marie is widely used as both a first and middle name and exudes quiet elegance.
Marilyn
A 20th-century blend name made iconic by Hollywood glamour, Marilyn evokes mid-century star power.
Marion
A medieval pet form of Mary used for both sexes, Marion appears famously as Maid Marion in Robin Hood lore.
Mark
A short, strong New Testament name, Mark has remained perennially popular for its simplicity and biblical heritage.
Marlene
A glamorous mid-century name fusing Maria and Magdalena, Marlene carries a sophisticated, vintage allure.
Marshall
An occupational surname meaning one who tends horses, Marshall conveys authority and a rugged, capable image.
Martha
A biblical name for the practical sister of Mary and Lazarus, Martha suggests homemaking warmth and reliability.
Martin
Borne by saints and reformers, Martin is a sturdy classic with deep roots across English-speaking cultures.
Marvin
An old name with Welsh origins, Marvin enjoyed mid-century popularity and feels both retro and dependable.
Mary
For centuries the most popular English girls’ name, Mary holds profound biblical significance and timeless simplicity.
Mason
An occupational surname turned hugely popular first name, Mason has a sturdy, craftsman-like appeal for boys.
Matilda
A regal old name meaning battle-strength, Matilda has charmed new generations through literature and film.
Matthew
One of the four Gospel writers, Matthew is a enduring biblical classic that has topped charts for decades.
Maud
A medieval variant of Matilda once borne by queens, Maud is a vintage name making a quiet comeback.
Maureen
An anglicized Irish form of Mary, Maureen had its heyday in the early-to-mid 20th century and feels classically warm.
Maverick
From a Texas rancher’s surname meaning an unbranded calf, Maverick now signals bold individualism and adventure.
Max
A punchy short form of Maximilian or Maxwell, Max stands strongly alone and conveys energy and confidence.
Maxine
A feminine form of Max, Maxine has a spirited, vintage character and a touch of jazz-age flair.
Maxwell
A Scottish surname meaning a large spring or pool, Maxwell is a refined, classic choice that yields the nickname Max.
May
Named for the springtime month, May is a light, cheerful classic also used as a short form of Margaret or Mary.
Maya
A cross-cultural favorite with meanings spanning several languages, Maya feels both ancient and refreshingly modern.
Megan
A Welsh pet form of Margaret, Megan became wildly popular in the late 20th century for its bright, friendly sound.
Melanie
From the Greek for dark, Melanie has been steadily beloved since the mid-1900s for its soft, melodic feel.
Melissa
Meaning honeybee in Greek, Melissa is a sweet, enduring name that peaked in popularity in the late 20th century.
Melody
A musical word-name straight from the Greek for song, Melody carries an obvious lyrical charm and gentle warmth.
Mercy
A Puritan virtue name expressing compassion, Mercy has a tender, old-fashioned grace that is gently trending again.
Meredith
An old Welsh name once chiefly male, Meredith is now used mostly for girls and has a refined, literary quality.
Mia
A short, sweet international favorite linked to Maria, Mia has soared to the top of girls’ name charts worldwide.
Michael
An archangel’s name and one of the most popular boys’ names of all time, Michael is a powerful, enduring classic.
Michelle
The French feminine form of Michael, Michelle reached huge popularity in the late 20th century, helped by the Beatles song.
Mildred
An Old English name combining mildness and strength, Mildred is a vintage choice ripe for rediscovery.
Miles
A smooth, sophisticated classic associated with jazz greatness, Miles balances strength with understated cool.
Millicent
An ornate medieval name meaning strong worker, Millicent offers the sweet nickname Millie alongside its stately charm.
Millie
Once a nickname for Mildred or Millicent, Millie now stands cheerfully on its own as a bright, retro favorite.
Milo
A vibrant, vintage name with ancient roots, Milo has surged back into fashion for its zippy, friendly sound.
Mira
A short, luminous name meaning wonderful or admirable, Mira crosses cultures gracefully and feels timelessly elegant.
Miranda
Coined by Shakespeare for “The Tempest,” Miranda means admirable and carries a poetic, romantic resonance.
Miriam
The original Hebrew form of Mary and the name of Moses’s sister, Miriam is a deeply rooted, dignified classic.
Mitchell
A surname form of Michael, Mitchell works smoothly as a first name and offers the easy nickname Mitch.
Molly
A spirited pet form of Mary, Molly has long stood independently and radiates a wholesome, cheerful Irish charm.
Mona
A short, evocative name with Irish and Greek roots, Mona is forever linked to Leonardo da Vinci’s famous portrait.
Monica
Borne by the mother of Saint Augustine, Monica is a warm classic that gained fresh fame through “Friends.”
Monroe
A Scottish surname evoking presidential and Hollywood glamour, Monroe has emerged as a stylish modern given name.
Montgomery
A stately Norman surname-name, Montgomery carries aristocratic weight and yields the casual nicknames Monty or Gomer.
Morgan
An ancient Welsh name used for both sexes, Morgan blends Arthurian legend with a confident, contemporary feel.
Morris
A vintage variant of Maurice, Morris has an honest, old-fashioned warmth and is gently returning to favor.
Mortimer
A grand Norman surname meaning dead sea, Mortimer is an antique name with bookish, slightly whimsical character.
Moses
The towering biblical leader’s name, Moses has deep religious resonance and an increasingly stylish vintage appeal.
Muriel
A melodic Celtic name meaning bright sea, Muriel had early-1900s popularity and offers a soft, vintage elegance.
Murphy
A hugely common Irish surname now used as a friendly first name, Murphy carries an easygoing, spirited charm.
Murray
A Scottish place and clan name, Murray feels grounded and approachable, with seaside roots and understated dignity.
Myra
Possibly coined by a 17th-century poet, Myra is a graceful, vintage name with a fragrant, slightly mysterious air.
Myrtle
A botanical Victorian name for the evergreen shrub symbolizing love, Myrtle has a quaint, old-fashioned sweetness.
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