This page brings together 49 German boy names that start with the letter M, running alphabetically from “Maximilian” to “Morten.” You’ll find a rich mix of classic, traditional, and modern choices, including biblical favorites, ancient Germanic forms, and international variants. Parents use this list to compare options, check meanings, and find the right name for a baby boy.
German boy names are male given names rooted in German language and culture, often shaped by Latin, Hebrew, and Germanic traditions. Many honor saints, emperors, or historical figures, and some, like “Max und Moritz,” have become beloved through classic German stories.
Below you’ll find the table with Name, Pronunciation, Meaning, and Description.
Name: This shows the German boy name itself, spelled the way you would write it on official records, so you can compare each option quickly.
Pronunciation: This gives you a simple phonetic guide, helping you say each name correctly and confidently before deciding if it sounds right to you.
Meaning: This explains what each name originally means, letting you choose a name whose sense and message match the qualities you value.
Description: This offers a short background on each name, covering its origins, history, and feel, so you understand the story behind your choice.
German boy names
| Name | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Maximilian | mak-see-MEE-lee-ahn | Greatest |
| Max | MAKS | Greatest |
| Maximus | MAK-see-moos | Greatest |
| Manfred | MAN-fred | Man of peace |
| Markus | MAR-koos | Dedicated to Mars |
| Marcus | MAR-koos | Dedicated to Mars |
| Marko | MAR-koh | Dedicated to Mars |
| Martin | MAR-teen | Of Mars / warlike |
| Matthias | mat-TEE-ahs | Gift of God |
| Mathias | mat-TEE-ahs | Gift of God |
| Matteo | mat-TAY-oh | Gift of God |
| Mattheus | mat-TAY-oos | Gift of God |
| Michael | MEE-khah-el | Who is like God |
| Mika | MEE-kah | Who is like God |
| Mikael | MEE-kah-el | Who is like God |
| Moritz | MOH-rits | Dark-skinned / Moorish |
| Marius | MAH-ree-oos | Of Mars / manly |
| Mario | MAH-ree-oh | Of Mars |
| Marvin | MAR-vin | Sea friend / famous friend |
| Marcel | mar-SEL | Little warrior |
| Marco | MAR-koh | Dedicated to Mars |
| Marian | MAH-ree-ahn | Of Mary / of Mars |
| Mats | MATS | Gift of God |
| Mathis | MAH-tis | Gift of God |
| Mattis | MAH-tis | Gift of God |
| Magnus | MAHG-noos | Great |
| Mark | MARK | Dedicated to Mars |
| Melchior | MEL-khee-or | King of light |
| Meinhard | MINE-hart | Strong and brave |
| Meinrad | MINE-raht | Strong counsel |
| Moritz | MOH-rits | Dark / Moorish |
| Merlin | MER-lin | Sea fort / falcon |
| Milan | MEE-lahn | Gracious / dear |
| Milo | MEE-loh | Merciful / soldier |
| Mathéo | mat-AY-oh | Gift of God |
| Marlon | MAR-lon | Little falcon |
| Mick | MIK | Who is like God |
| Maxim | mak-SEEM | Greatest |
| Mauritz | MOW-rits | Dark / Moorish |
| Maximilan | mak-see-MEE-lahn | Greatest |
| Medard | MAY-dart | Strong / powerful |
| Mirko | MEER-koh | Peace / glory |
| Mertin | MER-teen | Of Mars |
| Maxi | MAK-see | Greatest |
| Marwin | MAR-vin | Famous friend |
| Mile | MEE-leh | Gracious / dear |
| Marek | MAH-rek | Dedicated to Mars |
| Mio | MEE-oh | Mine / gift of God |
| Morten | MOR-ten | Of Mars |
Descriptions
Maximilian
A grand, classic German name derived from Latin “Maximus.” It carries imperial weight thanks to several Holy Roman Emperors and remains a perennial favorite across German-speaking countries.
Max
The short, punchy form of Maximilian, beloved for its simplicity and strength. It works on its own and has become hugely popular as a standalone given name.
Maximus
A Latin-rooted name meaning the largest or greatest, used in German-speaking regions for its bold, commanding sound and ancient Roman heritage.
Manfred
An old Germanic name combining “man” with “fred” (peace). Once common, it evokes mid-20th-century Germany and was borne by the famous WWI pilot the Red Baron.
Markus
The German spelling of Mark, tied to the Roman war god Mars. It is steady, familiar, and shared with one of the four Gospel writers.
Marcus
A Latin classic carried into German use, honoring the god Mars. It has a timeless, scholarly feel and many notable historical bearers.
Marko
A variant of Markus popular in southern Germany and Slavic-influenced regions, sharing the warlike Mars roots with a softer ending.
Martin
A widely used German name linked to Saint Martin of Tours and reformer Martin Luther. It blends religious tradition with quiet dignity.
Matthias
The German form of Matthew, meaning a gift from God. It is a dignified biblical name long favored in Catholic and Protestant families alike.
Mathias
A spelling variant of Matthias with the same Hebrew meaning of God’s gift. It feels slightly more streamlined while keeping the classic appeal.
Matteo
An Italian-influenced form of Matthew embraced in modern Germany. Its melodic sound and warm meaning have made it a contemporary favorite.
Mattheus
A traditional Latinized form of Matthew used in German records. It carries a formal, old-world charm rooted in scripture.
Michael
A timeless biblical name honoring the archangel Michael. Long among Germany’s most common male names, it conveys strength and faith.
Mika
A short, modern unisex-leaning form of Michael popular with younger German parents. It feels fresh, friendly, and easy to say.
Mikael
A Nordic-flavored variant of Michael used in Germany. It keeps the angelic meaning while adding an international touch.
Moritz
The German form of Maurice, historically meaning a Moor. It is charmingly traditional and famous from Wilhelm Busch’s “Max und Moritz.”
Marius
A Latin name tied to Mars and to a famous Roman general. It sounds refined and has grown steadily popular in modern Germany.
Mario
An Italian-rooted form of Marius widely adopted in Germany. It is warm, approachable, and instantly recognizable internationally.
Marvin
A name of Welsh-Germanic blend that surged in popularity in late-20th-century Germany. It feels modern yet has old linguistic roots.
Marcel
A French-influenced diminutive of Marcus meaning little Mars. It is smooth, popular, and shared with many German athletes and artists.
Marco
An Italian form of Mark common in Germany, echoing explorer Marco Polo. It has a friendly, well-traveled appeal.
Marian
A name linking devotion to the Virgin Mary with Roman roots. In German use it is gentle and somewhat uncommon, lending it distinction.
Mats
A short Scandinavian form of Matthias popular in northern Germany. It is crisp, modern, and easy for international friends to pronounce.
Mathis
A French-German variant of Matthias with a soft finish. It has become trendy among German parents seeking a gentle classic.
Mattis
A northern German and Scandinavian form of Matthias. It feels sturdy and down-to-earth while keeping its biblical meaning.
Magnus
A Latin name meaning great, popular across Scandinavia and Germany. It conveys nobility and was borne by several medieval kings.
Mark
The concise international form of Markus, tied to the war god Mars and the Gospel writer. It is clean, strong, and universally understood.
Melchior
One of the traditional names of the Three Wise Men, rich with biblical and festive associations. It is rare, regal, and distinctly old-world.
Meinhard
An ancient Germanic name combining “magin” (strength) with “hard” (brave). It is uncommon today but full of warrior heritage.
Meinrad
An old Germanic name joining strength with counsel, borne by a venerated medieval hermit-saint. It is rare and steeped in tradition.
Moritz
A beloved traditional German name, the equivalent of Maurice. Cheerful and nostalgic, it remains a favorite for boys seeking a classic feel.
Merlin
A name drawn from Arthurian legend’s famous wizard. In Germany it has a whimsical, magical appeal that sets a boy apart.
Milan
A Slavic name meaning gracious or dear, widely used in Germany. Its soft sound and city namesake give it cosmopolitan charm.
Milo
A short, vintage name with Germanic and Latin roots. It has surged in popularity for its cute yet sturdy character.
Mathéo
A French-styled form of Matthew used by some German families. The accent adds flair to its warm, scriptural meaning.
Marlon
A name of uncertain roots popularized internationally and used in Germany. It carries a cool, cinematic charm thanks to actor Marlon Brando.
Mick
A casual short form of Michael with an English flavor. It is breezy and informal, occasionally chosen as a full name in Germany.
Maxim
A Slavic-Russian form of Maximilian used in Germany. It feels both classic and exotic, sharing the proud meaning of greatest.
Mauritz
An older spelling variant of Moritz meaning Moorish. It has an antique, formal quality rooted in German tradition.
Maximilan
A streamlined spelling of Maximilian carrying the same imperial heritage. It signals grandeur while honoring the greatest meaning.
Medard
An old Germanic-French name borne by a beloved medieval saint associated with weather lore. It is rare and characterful in modern Germany.
Mirko
A Slavic name common in southern German-speaking areas, often linked to peace. It is friendly and approachable with a sturdy sound.
Mertin
A regional German variant of Martin tied to the god Mars. It has a quaint, old-fashioned warmth.
Maxi
An affectionate short form of Maximilian used as a nickname or given name. It is playful and endearing while keeping the noble root.
Marwin
A Germanic variant of Marvin meaning famous friend. It blends a modern feel with old linguistic roots.
Mile
A short Slavic form related to Milan, used in parts of Germany. It is gentle and uncommon, lending quiet individuality.
Marek
A Slavic form of Mark popular in eastern German regions. It honors the war god Mars with a crisp, distinctive sound.
Mio
A short, modern name popular with German parents for its cheerful brevity. It has Scandinavian and Japanese echoes alongside German use.
Morten
A Scandinavian form of Martin used in northern Germany. It is warm, sturdy, and tied to the Roman war god.