Choosing a name for your future baby is a big adventure. With everyone’s tastes, family traditions, and the desire to find something original but not too quirky, the choice can quickly become a puzzle. If you’re here, it’s because you’re looking for a name that starts with the letter M. Good news: this letter is full of beautiful, timeless, and sometimes surprising names!
Feminine names starting with M
Top 10 feminine names starting with M
Here is a selection of the most popular girl names starting with M, along with their meanings:
- Mélina – Of Greek origin, this name means “honey,” perfect for a sweet and radiant little girl.
- Maya – This short and modern name can refer to Hindu mythology or nature.
- Mila – Very trendy in recent years, Mila means “beloved of the people” in Slavic.
- Margaux – A classic that evokes nobility and elegance.
- Manon – A modern and affectionate version of Marie.
- Maëlys – A Breton name meaning “prince” (yes, even for a girl!).
- Morgane – Inspired by Arthurian legend, it is often associated with magic.
- Mathilde – A noble and ancient name meaning “strength in battle.”
- Méline – A variant of Mélina, it exudes the same sweetness.
- Mélissa – Related to bees and the sweetness of honey.
Table of feminine names starting with M
| Name | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Mélina | Greek | Honey |
| Mila | Slavic | Beloved of the people |
| Morgane | Celtic | Born of the sea |
| Manon | Hebrew | Diminutive of Marie |
| Maëlys | Breton | Prince |
Masculine names starting with M
Top 10 masculine names starting with M
Here is a selection of the most popular boy names starting with M:
- Matteo – Italian variant of Matthew, this name means “gift of God.”
- Malo – A Breton name meaning “wise prince.”
- Maxime – A classic meaning “the greatest.”
- Marius – Of Roman origin, it evokes strength and courage.
- Martin – Inspired by the god Mars, symbol of war and bravery.
- Mahé – A short and sweet name, very trendy in France.
- Mathis – Derived from Matthew, just as charming as Matteo.
- Morgan – Like in girls’ names, this Celtic name means “born of the sea.”
- Mehdi – Of Arabic origin, it means “guided on the right path.”
- Marceau – A noble and chic name, very popular at the moment.
Table of masculine names starting with M
| Name | Origin | Meaning |
| Matteo | Italian | Gift of God |
| Malo | Breton | Wise prince |
| Marius | Latin | Warrior |
| Mehdi | Arabic | Guided |
| Maxime | Latin | The greatest |
Where do these names starting with M come from?
Every name carries a story, and those starting with M are no exception. Some have Latin origins, others are Breton, Greek, or even Hebrew. Many are associated with strong values: courage, wisdom, greatness.
If you’re still hesitating, think about what you want to convey to your child through their name. Do you want them to have a name that evokes strength, sweetness, or even spirituality?
Current trends
Short names are in vogue! Mila, Malo, Maëlys, Mahé… They are simple, effective, and easy to remember. More retro names are also making a comeback, like Marceau and Marius.
Some names, though popular a few years ago, are now rarer. Michel, Maurice, Monique, for example, have lost ground to new trends.
A few tips for choosing well
- Consider the sound: the name should match well with the last name.
- Ensure that the name is not too difficult to pronounce or spell.
- Check the meaning, you never know… (Imagine calling your child “Méphisto” without knowing it’s another name for the devil!)
Want to go further?
If you’re looking for even more name ideas, consider taking a look at our complete guide to trendy names! And if you found this article useful, be sure to share it with your friends or family who are also searching for inspiration.

Céline, a passionate blogger about news and travel, I decode the trends that make the world buzz. Whether it’s exploring hidden corners of the planet or analyzing the hottest topics in the news, I share my discoveries here with a curious and authentic perspective. Join me to travel through words and ideas!





