100+ Modern Girl Names That Start with M (Plus Meanings!) 💕
Choosing the perfect name for your baby girl can feel overwhelming, especially when you have your heart set on a specific letter. If you’re drawn to girl names that start with M, you’re in for a treat! From timeless classics like Mary and Margaret to modern favorites like Maya and Madison, M names offer an incredible variety of sounds, origins, and meanings.
Whether you’re looking for something traditional, trendy, or totally unique, this comprehensive list of 100+ girl names starting with M will help you find the perfect fit for your little one. We’ve included the meaning and origin of each name to help you make an informed choice that resonates with your family’s values and heritage.
Classic M Names for Girls 👑
These traditional names have stood the test of time and continue to be beloved choices for parents who appreciate timeless elegance.
Mary – Hebrew origin meaning “bitter” or “beloved.” One of the most enduring names in history.
Margaret – Greek origin meaning “pearl.” A regal name with numerous charming nicknames.
Martha – Aramaic origin meaning “lady of the house.” A biblical name with strong, nurturing connotations.
Miriam – Hebrew origin meaning “wished-for child” or “rebellion.” The original form of Mary.
Molly – Irish origin, originally a nickname for Mary, meaning “star of the sea.”
Madeline – French origin meaning “woman from Magdala.” Elegant with a touch of French sophistication.
Meredith – Welsh origin meaning “great ruler.” A name that works beautifully for strong-willed girls.
Michelle – French origin meaning “who is like God?” A classic that peaked in the 1960s-80s.
Monica – Latin origin meaning “advisor” or “unique.” Made famous by Saint Monica.
Melanie – Greek origin meaning “black” or “dark.” A name associated with sweetness and warmth.
Modern and Trendy M Names ✨
These contemporary favorites are perfect for parents seeking something current and stylish.
Maya – Sanskrit origin meaning “illusion” or Hebrew meaning “water.” A multicultural favorite.
Madison – English origin meaning “son of Matthew.” Originally a surname, now a popular girl’s name.
Mia – Italian origin meaning “mine.” Short, sweet, and internationally appealing.
Mackenzie – Scottish origin meaning “fire-born” or “son of Kenneth.” A unisex name trending for girls.
Morgan – Welsh origin meaning “sea-born.” Another beautiful unisex option.
Marley – English origin meaning “meadow near the lake.” Inspired by the musical legend Bob Marley.
Melody – Greek origin meaning “song.” Perfect for music-loving families.
Maeve – Irish origin meaning “intoxicating.” A name with Celtic charm and strength.
Millie – German origin meaning “gentle strength.” Can be short for Millicent or Mildred.
Mila – Slavic origin meaning “gracious” or “dear.” Rising rapidly in popularity.
Unique and Uncommon M Names 🌟
For parents seeking something distinctive, these rare gems offer beauty and individuality.
Magnolia – Latin origin, named after the flowering tree. Nature-inspired and Southern charm.
Marlowe – English origin meaning “driftwood.” Literary and sophisticated.
Minerva – Latin origin meaning “wisdom.” The Roman goddess of wisdom and warfare.
Margot – French origin, a variation of Margaret meaning “pearl.”
Matilda – German origin meaning “mighty in battle.” A name with royal heritage.
Maxine – Latin origin meaning “greatest.” Strong and confident.
Meadow – English origin referring to a grassy field. Perfect for nature lovers.
Mabel – Latin origin meaning “lovable.” A vintage name making a comeback.
Marcella – Latin origin meaning “warlike” or “dedicated to Mars.”
Marigold – English origin, named after the golden flower.
International M Names 🌍
These beautiful names from around the world add global flair to your naming options.
Amara – Sanskrit/Arabic origin meaning “eternal” or “bitter.”
Malika – Arabic origin meaning “queen.”
Mirabelle – French origin meaning “wonderful” or “marvelous.”
Esperanza – Spanish origin meaning “hope.”
Valentina – Russian/Italian origin meaning “strong” or “healthy.”
Serafina – Hebrew origin meaning “fiery ones” or “burning ones.”
Catalina – Spanish origin meaning “pure.”
Alessandra – Italian origin meaning “defender of mankind.”
Francesca – Italian origin meaning “from France.”
Gabriella – Hebrew origin meaning “God is my strength.”
Complete List of 100+ M Names with Meanings 📝
Here’s your comprehensive reference list:
Mabel – Lovable (Latin)
Mackenzie – Fire-born (Scottish)
Macy – Weapon (French)
Maddison – Son of Matthew (English)
Madeline – Woman from Magdala (French)
Madison – Son of Matthew (English)
Maeve – Intoxicating (Irish)
Magdalena – Woman from Magdala (Hebrew)
Maggie – Pearl (Greek)
Magnolia – Magnolia flower (Latin)
Maia – Mother (Greek)
Maisy – Pearl (Scottish)
Makenna – Son of Kenneth (Irish)
Malaya – Free (Filipino)
Malia – Calm waters (Hawaiian)
Mallory – Unlucky (French)
Mandy – Lovable (Latin)
Mara – Bitter (Hebrew)
Marcella – Warlike (Latin)
Marcy – Warlike (Latin)
Margaret – Pearl (Greek)
Margot – Pearl (French)
Maria – Bitter or beloved (Hebrew)
Mariah – Bitter (Hebrew)
Mariana – Bitter grace (Hebrew/Latin)
Marie – Bitter (French)
Marigold – Golden flower (English)
Marilyn – Bitter (Hebrew)
Marina – Of the sea (Latin)
Marion – Bitter (Hebrew)
Marissa – Of the sea (Latin)
Marley – Meadow near the lake (English)
Marlowe – Driftwood (English)
Martha – Lady of the house (Aramaic)
Mary – Bitter or beloved (Hebrew)
Mathilda – Mighty in battle (German)
Matilda – Mighty in battle (German)
Maxine – Greatest (Latin)
Maya – Illusion (Sanskrit)
Meadow – Grassy field (English)
Megan – Pearl (Welsh)
Melanie – Black or dark (Greek)
Melinda – Honey (Greek)
Melissa – Honey bee (Greek)
Melody – Song (Greek)
Mercedes – Mercies (Spanish)
Meredith – Great ruler (Welsh)
Mia – Mine (Italian)
Michaela – Who is like God (Hebrew)
Michelle – Who is like God (French)
Mila – Gracious (Slavic)
Mildred – Gentle strength (English)
Millie – Gentle strength (German)
Minerva – Wisdom (Latin)
Minnie – Bitter (German)
Mira – Wonder (Latin)
Miracle – Wonder (Latin)
Miranda – Admirable (Latin)
Miriam – Wished-for child (Hebrew)
Molly – Star of the sea (Irish)
Monica – Advisor (Latin)
Morgan – Sea-born (Welsh)
Myra – Myrrh (Greek)
Tips for Choosing the Perfect M Name 💭
When selecting from these beautiful M names, consider these factors:
Sound and flow: Say the full name aloud with your last name to ensure it flows well.
Nickname potential: Think about shortened versions you like, as most names naturally develop nicknames.
Cultural significance: Consider names that honor your heritage or have special meaning to your family.
Popularity: Decide whether you prefer a trending name or something more unique.
Future flexibility: Choose a name that will suit your daughter at every stage of life.
Finding Your Perfect M Name
With over 100 beautiful options to choose from, you’re sure to find a girl name starting with M that captures your heart. Whether you’re drawn to the classic elegance of Margaret, the modern appeal of Maya, or the unique charm of Magnolia, each name carries its own special meaning and personality.
Remember, the most important thing is choosing a name that feels right for your family. Trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to take your time with this meaningful decision. Your little girl will carry this name throughout her life, making it a beautiful gift that will always connect her to this special moment of anticipation and love. 💖
