650+ Boy Names That Start With M with Meanings and Origins

Ever notice how many amazing boy names start with the letter M? From classics like Michael to trending favorites like Maverick, M names have this special magic about them. They roll off the tongue nicely and often carry powerful meanings too.

I’ve put together this complete guide to help you discover the perfect M name for your little boy. We’ll explore everything from super popular choices to hidden gems you might not have heard before.

Boy Names That Start With “M”

• Michael – Hebrew origin meaning “who is like God?”, one of the most enduring and popular names worldwide
• Matthew – Hebrew origin meaning “gift of God”, a timeless name with biblical roots
• Mason – English occupational name meaning “stoneworker” or “builder”, gained massive popularity in recent decades
• Marcus – Latin origin meaning “dedicated to Mars” (the Roman god of war), a name with strong historical roots
• Maxwell – Scottish origin meaning “great stream” or “Mack’s stream”, offers the cute nickname Max
• Miles – English and Latin origins possibly meaning “soldier” or derived from “merciful”, a name gaining modern popularity
• Mateo – Spanish form of Matthew meaning “gift of God”, has seen a surge in popularity
• Maverick – American origin meaning “independent” or “nonconformist”, a bold choice that’s trending upward
• Milo – Germanic origin meaning “merciful” or “soldier”, an ancient name enjoying a modern revival
• Micah – Hebrew origin meaning “who is like Yahweh?”, a shorter biblical alternative to Michael
• Malcolm – Scottish origin meaning “devotee of Saint Columba”, a name with royal Scottish heritage
• Mitchell – English form of Michael meaning “who is like God?”, offers a more casual alternative
• Martin – Latin origin meaning “dedicated to Mars”, a classic name with historical significance
• Miguel – Spanish form of Michael meaning “who is like God?”, popular in Hispanic communities
• Marco – Italian form of Mark meaning “warlike” or “dedicated to Mars”, has international appeal
• Morgan – Welsh origin meaning “sea circle” or “bright sea”, works well as a unisex name
• Mario – Italian form of Marius meaning “male” or “Mars-like”, popularized by the video game character
• Malik – Arabic origin meaning “king” or “sovereign”, a name with royal connections
• Maximilian – Latin origin meaning “greatest”, offers several nickname options including Max
• Marvin – Old English origin possibly meaning “famous friend” or “sea friend”, a vintage name
• Marshall – French occupational name meaning “horse servant” or “caretaker of horses”
• Manuel – Spanish form of Emmanuel meaning “God is with us”, common in Spanish-speaking countries
• Maddox – Welsh origin meaning “fortunate” or “beneficent”, a modern-sounding surname turned first name
• Montgomery – French origin meaning “man power” or “mountain of power”, offers the nickname Monty
• Moses – Hebrew origin meaning “drawn out of water”, a powerful biblical name with historical significance

Check out these baseball team names for more M-inspired ideas!

Boy Name Ideas Starting With ‘M’

• Matteo – Italian variation of Matthew meaning “gift of God”, slightly different from the Spanish Mateo
• Murray – Scottish origin meaning “settlement by the sea”, a distinguished surname now used as a first name
• Milton – English origin meaning “mill town”, a dignified name with literary connections
• Merrick – Germanic origin meaning “fame ruler”, a strong but uncommon choice
• Mackenzie – Scottish origin meaning “son of Kenneth” or “fair one”, now works as a unisex name
• Morrison – English origin meaning “son of Morris”, a surname with rock and roll connections
• Musa – Arabic origin meaning “Moses” or “saved from water”, popular in Muslim communities
• Miller – English occupational name meaning “grain grinder”, a trendy surname-as-first-name option
• Marcel – French form of Marcellus meaning “young warrior”, has European sophistication
• Madden – Irish origin meaning “little dog” or possibly “son of Madain”, gaining popularity in recent years
• Memphis – Egyptian origin meaning “established and beautiful”, a place name with ancient roots
• Maxim – Latin origin meaning “greatest”, a sleek international variation of Maximilian
• Marlon – Uncertain origin, possibly a variation of Merlin, famously associated with actor Marlon Brando
• Maxton – English origin combining Max and the suffix “ton” meaning “greatest town”, a modern twist on Max
• Mauricio – Spanish form of Maurice meaning “dark-skinned”, common in Latin American countries
• Mordecai – Hebrew origin meaning “servant of Marduk”, a distinctive biblical name
• Monroe – Scottish origin meaning “mouth of the Roe River”, now growing as a boys’ name
• Murphy – Irish origin meaning “sea warrior”, a friendly Irish surname now used as a first name
• Malachi – Hebrew origin meaning “my messenger” or “messenger of God”, a biblical prophet name
• Meyer – Hebrew origin meaning “bright” or “shining”, a distinctive German-Jewish surname used as a first name
• Mack – Scottish/Irish origin, a short form of names beginning with “Mac” meaning “son of”
• Marquis – French origin meaning “nobleman” or “marquess”, a name with royal flair
• Monte – Spanish and Italian origin meaning “mountain”, a short, strong nature-inspired name
• Marley – English origin meaning “pleasant seaside meadow”, has musical connections thanks to Bob Marley
• Mathias – Greek variation of Matthew meaning “gift of God”, offers a slight twist on the classic

Looking for more inspiration? Check out these dog group team names that might spark some ideas!

Classic Boy Names that Start with M

• Mark – Latin origin meaning “dedicated to Mars” or “warlike”, a timeless one-syllable classic
• Melvin – Scottish origin meaning “mill friend”, popular in the early to mid-20th century
• Morris – Latin origin meaning “dark-skinned” or possibly “Moorish”, a vintage favorite
• Milton – English origin meaning “mill town”, has literary connections via poet John Milton
• Murray – Scottish origin meaning “settlement by the sea”, a distinguished traditional name
• Maurice – Latin origin meaning “dark-skinned”, a classic with French sophistication
• Morton – English origin meaning “town on the moor”, a dignified old-fashioned name
• Myron – Greek origin meaning “fragrant oil” or “myrrh”, popular in the early 20th century
• Marion – French origin originally a male name meaning “of the sea” or “bitter”, now more common for girls
• Merle – French origin meaning “blackbird”, a short, sweet vintage choice
• Mortimer – English origin meaning “still water”, an aristocratic name with historical charm
• Myles – Irish spelling variation of Miles possibly meaning “soldier” or “merciful”
• Montgomery – French origin meaning “mountain of the powerful man”, offers nickname Monty
• Marshall – French occupational name meaning “horse servant” or “keeper of horses”
• Merritt – English origin meaning “boundary gate”, a surname now used as a first name
• Murray – Scottish origin meaning “settlement by the sea”, a name with Celtic roots
• Mervin – Welsh origin meaning “sea friend”, a less common variation of Marvin
• Marvin – Old English origin possibly meaning “famous friend”, peaked in the 1930s-50s
• Monty – Short form of Montgomery meaning “mountain of the powerful man”, a friendly nickname as a full name
• Morgan – Welsh origin meaning “sea circle” or “bright sea”, traditionally a male name in Wales
• Merlin – Welsh origin meaning “sea fortress”, associated with the legendary wizard
• Millard – English origin meaning “guardian of the mill”, presidential connection through Millard Fillmore
• Montague – French origin meaning “pointed mountain”, has Shakespearean connections
• Marcel – French form of Marcellus meaning “young warrior”, has European charm
• Mathew – Alternate spelling of Matthew meaning “gift of God”, slightly less common than the traditional spelling

Top Boy Names that Start with M

• Mason – English occupational name meaning “stoneworker”, consistently in the US top 10 in recent years
• Michael – Hebrew origin meaning “who is like God?”, perennially one of the most popular names worldwide
• Mateo – Spanish form of Matthew meaning “gift of God”, dramatically rising in popularity
• Matthew – Hebrew origin meaning “gift of God”, a consistently popular biblical name
• Maverick – American origin meaning “independent” or “nonconformist”, surged into the top 50
• Miles – Latin origin possibly meaning “soldier”, a classic name seeing renewed popularity
• Max – Short form of Maximilian or Maxwell meaning “greatest”, a punchy, popular choice
• Micah – Hebrew origin meaning “who is like Yahweh?”, a trending biblical name
• Milo – Germanic origin meaning “merciful” or possibly “soldier”, enjoying a modern revival
• Maxwell – Scottish origin meaning “great stream”, offers the popular nickname Max
• Muhammad – Arabic origin meaning “praiseworthy”, the most common name worldwide when all spellings are combined
• Miguel – Spanish form of Michael meaning “who is like God?”, popular in Hispanic communities
• Malachi – Hebrew origin meaning “my messenger”, a biblical name growing in popularity
• Marcus – Latin origin meaning “dedicated to Mars”, a strong classical name
• Martin – Latin origin meaning “dedicated to Mars”, consistently popular across cultures
• Matteo – Italian form of Matthew meaning “gift of God”, gaining popularity in the US
• Mark – Latin origin meaning “dedicated to Mars”, a simple, strong traditional choice
• Maddox – Welsh origin meaning “son of Madoc” or “beneficent”, popularized as a surname-first name
• Malcolm – Scottish origin meaning “devotee of Saint Columba”, has royal Scottish connections
• Marshall – French occupational name meaning “horse servant”, both a given name and surname
• Magnus – Latin origin meaning “great”, popular in Scandinavian countries
• Mario – Italian form of Marius meaning “male” or “Mars-like”, internationally recognized
• Mitchell – English form of Michael meaning “who is like God?”, a friendly variation
• Maximus – Latin origin meaning “greatest”, gained popularity after the movie Gladiator
• Memphis – Egyptian origin meaning “established and beautiful”, a place name gaining traction

Looking for more name ideas? Explore these dance team names for creative inspiration!

Modern Boy Names that Start with M

• Maverick – American origin meaning “independent” or “nonconformist”, skyrocketed in popularity recently
• Maddox – Welsh origin meaning “fortunate” or “beneficent”, popularized by celebrity adoption
• Memphis – Egyptian origin meaning “established and beautiful”, a trendy place name
• Major – Latin origin meaning “greater”, both a military rank and modern name choice
• Myles – Irish spelling variation of Miles, a fresh take on a classic
• Maxton – English origin blending Max with the suffix “-ton” meaning “greatest town”, a modern invention
• Maximus – Latin origin meaning “greatest”, gained popularity after the movie Gladiator
• Messiah – Hebrew origin meaning “anointed one”, a powerful but controversial modern choice
• Madden – Irish origin meaning “little dog” or possibly “son of Madain”, popularized by the football video game
• Mace – English origin, possibly short for Mason or referring to the spice or medieval weapon
• Mekhi – African origin possibly meaning “responsibility”, a contemporary-sounding choice
• Milan – Slavic origin meaning “gracious” or “dear”, also an Italian city name
• Malik – Arabic origin meaning “king” or “sovereign”, increasingly popular in diverse communities
• Miller – English occupational name meaning “grain grinder”, part of the surname-as-first-name trend
• Makai – Hawaiian origin meaning “toward the sea”, a modern multicultural option
• Marvel – English origin meaning “wonder” or “miracle”, gaining attention with superhero connections
• Morrison – English origin meaning “son of Morris”, a rock and roll surname now used as a first name
• Moshe – Hebrew form of Moses meaning “drawn from water”, used in Jewish communities
• Meyer – Hebrew origin meaning “bright one”, a short modern-sounding name with ancient roots
• Matias – Spanish and Portuguese variation of Matthew meaning “gift of God”
• Marcelo – Spanish and Portuguese form of Marcellus meaning “young warrior”
• Marley – English origin meaning “pleasant seaside meadow”, associated with reggae legend Bob Marley
• Monte – Spanish and Italian origin meaning “mountain”, a short nature-inspired name
• Maxon – English origin, a modern variation combining Max with the “-on” suffix
• Malaki – Alternative spelling of Malachi meaning “my messenger”, a fresh take on a biblical name

Distinctive Boy Names that Start with M

• Macsen – Welsh form of Maximus meaning “greatest”, a distinctive Celtic choice
• Mercer – English occupational name meaning “merchant of fine textiles”, an unusual surname as first name
• Morley – English origin meaning “meadow near the moor”, a distinguished surname now used as a first name
• Magnus – Latin origin meaning “great”, popular in Scandinavian countries but distinctive elsewhere
• Macaulay – Scottish origin meaning “son of Olaf”, has literary and film connections
• Montague – French origin meaning “pointed mountain”, has Shakespearean aristocratic associations
• Marlowe – English origin meaning “driftwood”, a poetic name with literary connections
• Merritt – English origin meaning “boundary gate”, an uncommon surname-turned-first-name
• Marius – Latin origin meaning “male” or “of Mars”, has ancient Roman connections
• Mordecai – Hebrew origin meaning “follower of Marduk”, a distinctive biblical name
• Maximilian – Latin origin meaning “greatest”, formal and regal with numerous nickname options
• Madoc – Welsh origin meaning “fortunate”, a name from Welsh legend
• Monty – Short form of Montgomery meaning “mountain of power”, works well as a stand-alone name
• Merlin – Welsh origin meaning “sea fortress”, associated with the legendary wizard
• Morrison – English origin meaning “son of Morris”, has rock music connections
• Matheson – Scottish origin meaning “son of Matthew”, a distinguished surname as first name
• Michelangelo – Italian origin combining Michael and Angelo, associated with the Renaissance artist
• Massimo – Italian origin meaning “greatest”, an expressive Italian choice
• Makoa – Hawaiian origin meaning “fearless” or “bold”, a distinctive multicultural choice
• Mercury – Latin origin referring to the Roman messenger god and the planet, an unusual mythological option
• Moses – Hebrew origin meaning “drawn from water”, a powerful biblical name that stands out
• Marquis – French origin meaning “nobleman”, a title of nobility now used as a name
• Maceo – Spanish origin possibly meaning “gift of God”, a distinctive musical name
• Merrick – Germanic origin meaning “fame ruler”, an unusual but accessible choice
• Moritz – German form of Maurice meaning “dark-skinned”, popular in German-speaking countries

Explore these creative nicknames with our funny names to call people for more unique options!

Uncommon Boy Names that Start with M

• Malvin – Germanic origin meaning “council friend”, a rare variation of Melvin
• Marden – English origin meaning “boundary valley”, an unusual place name now used for boys
• Muriel – Celtic origin meaning “bright sea”, traditionally used for girls but has male history
• Melville – Scottish origin meaning “bad settlement”, associated with author Herman Melville
• Munro – Scottish origin meaning “mouth of the Roe River”, a distinctive Scottish surname
• Macklin – Irish origin meaning “son of Mack”, an uncommon surname now used as a first name
• Morwen – Welsh origin meaning “sea maiden”, traditionally female but has potential for boys
• Marvyn – Variation of Marvin possibly meaning “famous friend”, a unique spelling of a vintage name
• Montez – Spanish origin meaning “dweller on the mountain”, an unusual Hispanic choice
• Meade – Irish origin meaning “mead drinker” or “one who sells mead”, an old occupational name
• Marmaduke – English origin possibly meaning “follower of St. Maedoc”, an aristocratic but unusual name
• Macon – French origin meaning “mason” or possibly a place name, uncommon but accessible
• Mayer – German variation of Meyer meaning “bright one”, a distinguished surname as first name
• Marland – English origin meaning “moorland”, a rare geographical name
• Mortimer – English origin meaning “still water”, an old-fashioned name with aristocratic flair
• Moss – English origin meaning “saved from water” or referring to the plant, a short nature name
• Merwin – Welsh origin meaning “sea friend”, an unusual variation of Merlin
• Morrissey – Irish origin meaning “son of Morris”, associated with the famous singer
• Menachem – Hebrew origin meaning “comforter”, used in Jewish communities
• Milos – Slavic form of Miles meaning “gracious” or “merciful”, popular in Eastern Europe
• Mace – English origin referring to the spice or medieval weapon, short and distinctive
• Mamoun – Arabic origin meaning “trustworthy”, uncommon in Western countries
• Mendel – Yiddish origin meaning “comforter”, associated with the father of genetics Gregor Mendel
• Merle – French origin meaning “blackbird”, a vintage name ready for rediscovery
• Melchior – Hebrew origin meaning “king of light”, one of the three wise men in Christian tradition

Biblical Names for Boys that Start with M

• Matthew – Hebrew origin meaning “gift of God”, one of Jesus’s twelve apostles and Gospel author
• Micah – Hebrew origin meaning “who is like Yahweh?”, one of the twelve minor prophets
• Malachi – Hebrew origin meaning “my messenger”, the last book of the Old Testament
• Mark – Latin origin, author of the second Gospel and companion of Paul
• Moses – Hebrew origin meaning “drawn from water”, the prophet who led the Israelites out of Egypt
• Mordecai – Hebrew origin meaning “servant of Marduk”, from the Book of Esther who helped save the Jewish people
• Melchizedek – Hebrew origin meaning “king of righteousness”, the king and priest who blessed Abraham
• Meshach – Hebrew origin, one of Daniel’s three friends thrown into the fiery furnace
• Mephibosheth – Hebrew origin meaning “from the mouth of shame”, son of Jonathan in the Old Testament
• Methuselah – Hebrew origin, known as the oldest person in the Bible who lived 969 years
• Manasseh – Hebrew origin meaning “causing to forget”, son of Joseph and name of a king of Judah
• Manoah – Hebrew origin meaning “rest”, father of Samson in the Old Testament
• Matthias – Greek form of Matthew meaning “gift of God”, the apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot
• Michael – Hebrew origin meaning “who is like God?”, the archangel who defeated Satan
• Menahem – Hebrew origin meaning “comforter”, a king of Israel mentioned in the Old Testament
• Maaz – Hebrew origin meaning “anger”, a descendant of Judah in the Old Testament
• Mahlon – Hebrew origin meaning “sickly”, son of Elimelech and Naomi in the Book of Ruth
• Melech – Hebrew origin meaning “king”, appears in various contexts in the Old Testament
• Memucan – Hebrew origin, one of King Ahasuerus’s seven counselors in the Book of Esther
• Merari – Hebrew origin meaning “bitter”, son of Levi in the Old Testament
• Mishael – Hebrew origin meaning “who is what God is”, one of Daniel’s three companions
• Matthan – Hebrew origin, grandfather of Joseph (Jesus’s earthly father) in Matthew’s genealogy
• Mahath – Hebrew origin, a Levite mentioned in the Old Testament
• Malluch – Hebrew origin meaning “reigning” or “counselor”, a priest who returned from Babylonian exile
• Merodach – Hebrew form of Marduk, a Babylonian deity mentioned in the Bible

Need more biblical inspiration? Browse these prayer group names for spiritually-themed ideas!

Greek Names for Boys that Start with M

• Myles – Greek origin possibly derived from “soldier”, a Greek name with English spelling
• Maximus – Latin name popular in ancient Greece meaning “greatest”, had Greek usage
• Menelaos – Greek origin meaning “strength of the people”, husband of Helen of Troy
• Methodius – Greek origin meaning “pursuit of knowledge”, name of a Christian saint
• Myron – Greek origin meaning “fragrant oil” or “myrrh”, name of an ancient Greek sculptor
• Miltiades – Greek origin meaning “red earth”, famous Athenian general who led the victory at Marathon
• Melampus – Greek origin meaning “black-footed”, a legendary prophet and healer
• Melanthios – Greek origin meaning “dark flower”, a character in Homer’s Odyssey
• Macarios – Greek origin meaning “blessed” or “happy”, basis for the English name Macarius
• Mentor – Greek origin, the trusted counselor of Odysseus who guided his son Telemachus
• Meander – Greek origin referring to the winding river in Turkey, now an English word
• Megacles – Greek origin meaning “great glory”, name of several important Athenians
• Melissus – Greek origin relating to “honey bee”, a pre-Socratic philosopher
• Mnason – Greek origin meaning “remembering”, a character mentioned in the New Testament
• Megasthenes – Greek origin meaning “great strength”, an ancient Greek historian
• Moschion – Greek origin, a name used in ancient Greek comedies
• Menestheus – Greek origin, a legendary king of Athens who participated in the Trojan War
• Menoetius – Greek origin, a Titan in Greek mythology and father of Patroclus
• Medus – Greek origin, the son of Medea in Greek mythology
• Mithridates – Greek form of Persian name meaning “given by Mithra”, name of several kings
• Melanthus – Greek origin meaning “dark flower”, king of Messenia in Greek mythology
• Mestor – Greek origin, a son of Poseidon in Greek mythology
• Micythos – Greek origin, a regent of the Greek colony of Rhegium
• Mopsus – Greek origin, the name of several seers in Greek mythology
• Menippus – Greek origin, name of a Cynic philosopher and satirist

Latin Names for Boys that Start with M

• Marcus – Latin origin meaning “dedicated to Mars”, a common Roman praenomen (first name)
• Maximus – Latin origin meaning “greatest”, a name suggesting excellence
• Marius – Latin origin meaning “male” or possibly “of Mars”, name of a famous Roman general
• Magnus – Latin origin meaning “great”, a name suggesting size and importance
• Marcellus – Latin origin meaning “young warrior”, diminutive of Marcus
• Maximilian – Latin origin meaning “greatest”, an expanded form of Maximus
• Marinus – Latin origin meaning “of the sea”, related to the word “marine”
• Mauritius – Latin origin meaning “dark-skinned”, source of the modern name Maurice
• Manlius – Latin origin, an ancient Roman family name
• Mallius – Latin origin, a Roman family name
• Macarius – Latinized Greek name meaning “blessed” or “happy”
• Montanus – Latin origin meaning “of the mountains”, a geographical name
• Mercurius – Latin origin, the Roman messenger god equivalent to Greek Hermes
• Martinus – Latin origin meaning “dedicated to Mars”, basis for the name Martin
• Manlius – Latin origin, an ancient Roman clan name
• Marcianus – Latin origin meaning “belonging to Marcus”, name of a Roman emperor
• Mucius – Latin origin, an ancient Roman family name
• Meritus – Latin origin meaning “deserving” or “worthy”
• Modestus – Latin origin meaning “moderate” or “modest”, a virtue name
• Macrobius – Latin origin meaning “long-lived”, name of a Roman writer
• Mamilius – Latin origin, an ancient Roman family name
• Munatius – Latin origin, an ancient Roman family name
• Major – Latin origin meaning “greater”, both a comparative term and a military rank
• Messius – Latin origin, an ancient Roman family name
• Minicius – Latin origin, an ancient Roman family name

Spanish Names for Boys that Start with M

• Mateo – Spanish form of Matthew meaning “gift of God”, extremely popular in Spanish-speaking countries
• Miguel – Spanish form of Michael meaning “who is like God?”, a classic Spanish name
• Manuel – Spanish form of Emmanuel meaning “God is with us”, traditionally popular
• Mauricio – Spanish form of Maurice meaning “dark-skinned”, common throughout Latin America
• Martín – Spanish form of Martin meaning “dedicated to Mars”, consistently popular
• Marcelo – Spanish form of Marcellus meaning “young warrior”, melodic and distinctive
• Maximo – Spanish form of Maximus meaning “greatest”, strong and impressive
• Marcos – Spanish form of Mark meaning “dedicated to Mars”, widely used
• Mario – Spanish (and Italian) form of Marius meaning “male” or “Mars-like”
• Matías – Spanish form of Matthias meaning “gift of God”, variant of Mateo with a different emphasis
• Mariano – Spanish origin meaning “of Mary” or “dedicated to Mary”, religious connections
• Moises – Spanish form of Moses meaning “drawn from water”
• Maximiliano – Spanish form of Maximilian meaning “greatest”, grand and formal
• Moisés – Alternative Spanish spelling of Moses meaning “drawn from water”
• Melchor – Spanish form of Melchior meaning “king of light”, one of the three wise men
• Marcelino – Spanish diminutive of Marcelo meaning “young warrior”, friendly form
• Monte – Spanish origin meaning “mountain”, a short nature name
• Manolo – Spanish diminutive of Manuel meaning “God is with us”, affectionate form
• Macario – Spanish form of Macarius meaning “blessed” or “happy”
• Misael – Spanish form of Hebrew Mishael meaning “who is what God is”, biblical
• Maurilio – Spanish variation of Maurilio meaning “dark-skinned”, uncommon but melodic
• Miqueas – Spanish form of Micah meaning “who is like Yahweh?”
• Miranda – Though primarily a feminine name now, it has been used for boys in Spanish tradition, meaning “worthy of admiration”
• Medardo – Spanish name of Germanic origin meaning “mighty” or “powerful”
• Modesto – Spanish origin meaning “modest”, a virtue name

Looking for more Spanish-inspired names? Check out these Spanish last names for additional ideas!

Italian Names for Boys that Start with M

• Matteo – Italian form of Matthew meaning “gift of God”, consistently popular in Italy
• Marco – Italian form of Mark meaning “dedicated to Mars”, a classic Italian choice
• Mario – Italian form of Marius meaning “male” or “Mars-like”, internationally recognized
• Massimo – Italian form of Maximus meaning “greatest”, expressive and dramatic
• Marcello – Italian form of Marcellus meaning “young warrior”, romantic and melodic
• Michele – Italian form of Michael meaning “who is like God?”, pronounced mee-KEH-leh
• Mirko – Italian pet form of Miro, ultimately from names like Miroslav meaning “peace and glory”
• Maurizio – Italian form of Maurice meaning “dark-skinned”, sophisticated
• Mauro – Italian form of Maurus meaning “dark-skinned”, short and accessible
• Mino – Italian diminutive of names like Giacomino or Arminio, a friendly short form
• Manfredo – Italian form of Manfred meaning “man of peace”, historic and strong
• Mimmo – Italian diminutive of Domenico, a friendly nickname used as a full name
• Michelangelo – Italian compound name combining Michele and Angelo, famous artistic connections
• Marino – Italian origin meaning “of the sea”, maritime connections
• Melchiorre – Italian form of Melchior meaning “king of light”, one of the three wise men
• Moreno – Italian origin meaning “dark-haired” or “dark-skinned”
• Mariano – Italian origin meaning “of Mary”, religious associations
• Maffeo – Italian form of Matthew meaning “gift of God”, less common variant
• Martino – Italian form of Martin meaning “dedicated to Mars”
• Massimiliano – Italian form of Maximilian meaning “greatest”, formal and impressive
• Modesto – Italian origin meaning “modest”, a virtue name
• Meliodas – Though of Greek mythological origins, has been used in Italy
• Morello – Italian origin meaning “dark-skinned” or referring to dark cherries
• Mercurio – Italian form of Mercury, the Roman messenger god
• Maximo – Italian variant of Maximus meaning “greatest”

English Names for Boys that Start with M

• Mason – English occupational name meaning “stoneworker” or “builder”, extremely popular
• Maxwell – English surname meaning “Mack’s stream” or “great stream”, offers nickname Max
• Mitchell – English form of Michael meaning “who is like God?”, friendly and approachable
• Miles – English form of Milo possibly meaning “soldier”, a classic with modern appeal
• Marshall – English occupational surname meaning “horse servant”, dignified
• Miller – English occupational name meaning “grain grinder”, part of the surname trend
• Maddox – English surname of Welsh origin meaning “fortunate”, contemporary feel
• Montgomery – English surname meaning “mountain of power”, offers nickname Monty
• Morrison – English surname meaning “son of Morris”, rock and roll connections
• Murray – English surname of Scottish origin meaning “settlement by the sea”
• Malcolm – English form of Scottish name meaning “devotee of Saint Columba”
• Merrick – English surname of Welsh origin meaning “fame ruler”
• Morton – English surname meaning “town on the moor”, old-fashioned but sturdy
• Marlow – English surname meaning “lake remnants” or “driftwood”, literary connections
• Melvin – English form of Scottish name meaning “mill friend”, vintage charm
• Morgan – English surname of Welsh origin meaning “sea circle”, works as unisex name
• Milton – English surname meaning “mill town”, intellectual connections via poet John Milton
• Medwin – Old English name meaning “friend of the meadow”, rare historical choice
• Mortimer – English surname meaning “still water”, aristocratic associations
• Merton – English surname meaning “town by the lake”, academic connections
• Millard – English surname meaning “mill guardian”, presidential through Millard Fillmore
• Merritt – English surname meaning “boundary gate”, understated elegance
• Maynard – English surname meaning “mighty strength”, has vintage appeal
• Manning – English surname meaning “son of Mann”, strong and masculine
• Moss – English surname possibly referring to a person who lived near moss, short nature name

Find more English-inspired naming ideas with these last names that start with M for additional inspiration!

Irish Names for Boys that Start with M

• Murphy – Irish origin meaning “sea warrior”, one of the most common Irish surnames
• Malachy – Irish form of Malachi meaning “my messenger”, has saintly connections
• Madden – Irish origin meaning “little dog” or “son of Madain”, sporty modern feel
• Maguire – Irish origin meaning “son of Uidhir”, a prominent Irish surname
• Murchadh – Irish origin meaning “sea warrior”, traditional Gaelic form of Murphy
• Melvin – Irish origin meaning “chief of justice”, though also has Scottish roots
• Mahon – Irish origin meaning “bear”, powerful animal connection
• Markey – Irish diminutive of Mark meaning “dedicated to Mars”, friendly variation
• Mackenzie – While Scottish in origin meaning “son of Kenneth”, it’s popular in Ireland
• Moran – Irish origin meaning “great”, a simple, strong surname
• Mannix – Irish origin meaning “monk”, unique and distinctive
• Moylan – Irish origin meaning “bald or devoted follower”, an uncommon surname choice
• Mahoney – Irish origin meaning “descendant of Mathghamhna”, pronounced MA-ho-nee
• Mullen – Irish origin meaning “bald” or possibly “mill”, a straightforward surname
• Morrissey – Irish origin meaning “son of Morris”, musical associations
• McNulty – Irish origin meaning “descendant of the noteworthy”, though begins with Mc technically
• Molloy – Irish origin meaning “descendant of Maolmhuaidh”, traditional surname
• McLaughlin – Irish origin meaning “son of Lochlainn”, begins with Mc but pronounced as M
• Mooney – Irish origin meaning “wealthy”, upbeat and friendly
• Mackey – Irish diminutive of Matthew meaning “gift of God”
• McCormick – Irish origin meaning “son of Cormac”, begins with Mc
• McCarthy – Irish origin meaning “son of Cárthach”, a prominent Irish surname
• Muirgheas – Irish origin meaning “sea choice” or “sea action”, a traditional Gaelic name
• Mánus – Irish form of Magnus meaning “great”, traditional in Gaelic-speaking regions

Check out these Irish last names for more inspiration from the Emerald Isle!

Scottish Names for Boys that Start with M

• Malcolm – Scottish origin meaning “devotee of Saint Columba”, name of several Scottish kings
• Murray – Scottish origin meaning “settlement by the sea”, a distinguished clan name
• Mackenzie – Scottish origin meaning “son of Kenneth” or “fair one”, originally a surname
• Munro – Scottish origin meaning “mouth of the Roe River”, a Highland clan name
• Macaulay – Scottish origin meaning “son of Olaf”, a distinguished clan surname
• Menzies – Scottish origin from the Norman name Manners, pronounced MING-iss in Scotland
• Murdoch – Scottish origin meaning “sea warrior”, strong and distinctive
• Mackie – Scottish diminutive of Mac meaning “son of”, friendly and approachable
• Muir – Scottish origin meaning “moor” or “sea”, a short nature-inspired name
• MacLeod – Scottish origin meaning “son of Leod”, a prominent Highland clan
• Magnus – While Latin in origin meaning “great”, has strong Scottish and Nordic usage
• Macrae – Scottish origin meaning “son of grace”, a Highland clan name
• Matheson – Scottish origin meaning “son of Matthew”, distinguished clan name
• Macfarlane – Scottish origin meaning “son of Parlan”, historic clan name
• MacCallum – Scottish origin meaning “son of Callum”, traditional Highland name
• MacGregor – Scottish origin meaning “son of Gregor”, famous clan with Robert Roy MacGregor
• MacKay – Scottish origin meaning “son of fire”, pronounced ma-KAI
• Maxwell – Scottish origin meaning “Mack’s stream” or “great stream”, prominent clan name
• MacLaren – Scottish origin meaning “son of Laurence”, established clan name
• MacLachlan – Scottish origin meaning “son of Lachlan”, traditional Highland name
• MacIntosh – Scottish origin meaning “son of the chief”, famous clan and computer brand
• Maddox – While Welsh in origin, has been adopted in Scottish naming traditions
• MacQuarrie – Scottish origin meaning “son of Guaire”, an island clan name
• MacNeil – Scottish origin meaning “son of Neil”, historic Hebridean clan
• MacTaggart – Scottish origin meaning “son of the priest”, distinctive surname

For more Scottish inspiration, browse these Scottish last names for additional options!

French Names for Boys that Start with M

• Marcel – French origin meaning “dedicated to Mars”, elegant and sophisticated
• Mathieu – French form of Matthew meaning “gift of God”, pronounced ma-TYUH
• Michel – French form of Michael meaning “who is like God?”, pronounced mee-SHELL
• Maxence – French origin meaning “greatest”, an elegant variation of Maximus
• Maurice – French origin meaning “dark-skinned”, traditional and refined
• Marius – While Latin in origin meaning “male” or “Mars-like”, very popular in France
• Mathis – French form of Matthew meaning “gift of God”, modern variation
• Maxime – French form of Maximus meaning “greatest”, pronounced ma-KSEEM
• Martin – While Latin in origin meaning “dedicated to Mars”, common in France
• Marlon – French origin of uncertain meaning, famously associated with Marlon Brando
• Mael – French form of Breton name meaning “prince” or “chief”, pronounced my-EL
• Marceau – French origin meaning “dedicated to Mars”, artistic connections through mime Marcel Marceau
• Mathéo – French form of Matthew meaning “gift of God”, contemporary spelling
• Matisse – French surname associated with artist Henri Matisse, artistic connotations
• Merlin – While Welsh in origin, the legendary wizard is central to French Arthurian legend
• Montague – French origin meaning “pointed mountain”, has literary associations
• Mortimer – French origin meaning “still water”, aristocratic tone
• Mathys – French variation of Matthew meaning “gift of God”, alternative spelling
• Melville – French origin meaning “bad town”, literary connections to Herman Melville
• Milo – While Germanic in origin, has been used in France for centuries
• Marquis – French origin meaning “nobleman”, a title of nobility now used as a name
• Martial – French origin meaning “warlike” or “dedicated to Mars”, has sporting associations
• Matthieu – Alternative French spelling of Matthew meaning “gift of God”
• Médard – French origin meaning “might” or “power”, name of a French saint
• Mériadec – French origin from Breton, an uncommon traditional name

Explore these French last names for more Gallic inspiration!

German Names for Boys that Start with M

• Maximilian – German origin meaning “greatest”, formal and regal
• Markus – German form of Marcus meaning “dedicated to Mars”, common throughout German-speaking regions
• Matthias – German form of Matthew meaning “gift of God”, traditionally popular
• Moritz – German form of Maurice meaning “dark-skinned”, sophisticated and distinctive
• Michael – While Hebrew in origin, extremely popular in Germany
• Manfred – German origin meaning “man of peace”, strong traditional name
• Magnus – While Latin in origin meaning “great”, commonly used in Germanic countries
• Martin – While Latin in origin meaning “dedicated to Mars”, widely used in Germany
• Matheus – German variation of Matthew meaning “gift of God”
• Meinhard – German origin meaning “strong and brave”, traditional Germanic name
• Malte – German short form of Helmut meaning “brave mind”, modern and friendly
• Matheo – German variation of Matthew meaning “gift of God”, contemporary spelling
• Matteo – While Italian in form, increasingly popular in German-speaking countries
• Merlin – While Welsh in origin, popular in Germanic regions due to Arthurian legend
• Mats – German and Scandinavian short form of Matthew meaning “gift of God”
• Marko – German variation of Mark meaning “dedicated to Mars”
• Mathis – German variation of Matthew meaning “gift of God”
• Mika – German short form of Michael meaning “who is like God?”, modern feel
• Marius – While Latin in origin meaning “male” or “of Mars”, popular in Germany
• Marvin – While English in origin, extremely popular in modern Germany
• Marlon – While uncertain in origin, widely used in German-speaking countries
• Milo – While Germanic in origin meaning “merciful”, has renewed popularity
• Miro – German short form of names like Miroslav meaning “peace and glory”
• Michel – German pronunciation of Michael meaning “who is like God?”
• Maik – German phonetic spelling of Mike, short form of Michael

Looking for more Germanic names? Check out these German last names for additional ideas!

Celebrity-Inspired Boy Names that Start with M

• Maddox – Popularized after Angelina Jolie adopted her son Maddox, meaning “fortunate”
• Mason – While already popular, Kourtney Kardashian’s choice for her son boosted its profile
• Max – Christina Aguilera’s son, a strong, simple name meaning “greatest”
• Moses – Chosen by Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin for their son, biblical meaning “drawn from water”
• Moroccan – Unusual place name chosen by Mariah Carey for her son
• Milo – Chosen by celebrities including Liv Tyler and Alyssa Milano, meaning “merciful”
• Magnus – Chosen by Will Ferrell and Elizabeth Banks for their sons, meaning “great”
• Maceo – Halle Berry’s son, a distinctive Spanish name possibly meaning “gift of God”
• Monroe – Mariah Carey’s daughter (though traditionally male), a surname meaning “mouth of the Roe River”
• Milan – Shakira’s son, a Slavic name meaning “gracious” or also the Italian city
• Micheál – Irish form of Michael chosen by Liam Neeson for his son, pronounced mee-HAWL
• Mingus – Helena Christensen named her son after jazz musician Charles Mingus
• Mack – Used by actors including Bernie Mac, short form of names beginning with Mac/Mc
• Malcolm – Name of Frankie Muniz’s character on “Malcolm in the Middle”, meaning “devotee of Saint Columba”
• Milo – Actor Milo Ventimiglia has helped popularize this name, meaning “merciful”
• Matteo – Chosen by Ricky Martin for one of his sons, Italian form of Matthew
• Marcel – Chosen by actress Marion Cotillard for her son, French name meaning “young warrior”
• Meyer – Twilight author Stephenie Meyer helped popularize this surname as a first name option
• Miles – Chrissy Teigen and John Legend chose this for their son, meaning “soldier”
• Mark – Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg keeps this classic name in the public eye
• Mario – Nintendo character Mario, created by Shigeru Miyamoto, made this name familiar worldwide
• Matthew – Actor Matthew McConaughey has kept this biblical name in the spotlight
• Misha – Actor Misha Collins (Supernatural) has popularized this Russian diminutive of Michael
• Marvin – R&B legend Marvin Gaye continues to influence this name’s use
• Michael – Countless celebrities including Michael Jordan, Michael B. Jordan, and Michael J. Fox have kept this name eternally popular

For more celebrity inspiration, check out these famous couple usernames for creative pairing ideas!

The Enduring Appeal of M Names

M names have been consistently popular across generations for good reason. There’s something about that initial “M” sound that feels both strong and gentle at the same time.

Think about it – names like Matthew sound trustworthy and kind, while Miles gives off a cool, adventurous vibe. That versatility is why M names appear in virtually every culture around the world.

Global trends show M names ranking high on popularity charts year after year. Whether you’re looking for something traditional or unique, there’s an M name out there that perfectly fits your little one.

Quick Facts About M Names

Let’s look at some interesting facts about boys’ names starting with M:

• Muhammad is actually the most popular boy’s name in the world when you combine all spelling variations
• Popular M names like Michael, Mason, and Mateo frequently appear in the US Top 100 lists
• There are over 1,300 unique boy names starting with M listed on major baby naming websites
• M names come from diverse origins including Hebrew, Latin, Greek, Arabic, and many others
• Many celebrities have M names – Mark Wahlberg, Marlon Brando, and Mikhail Gorbachev, just to name a few

The Meaning Behind M Names

Most M names carry powerful meanings and positive associations. Common themes include:

• Maturity and wisdom
• Motivation and ambition
• Magnificence and excellence
• Leadership qualities
• Kindness and compassion
• Resilience and strength

The letter M itself has a strong presence in many languages. In Hebrew, names like Michael (“who is like God?”) reflect religious significance. Latin-derived names like Marcus often connect to strength or warfare. Greek M names frequently relate to gifts from the gods.

Top 50 Most Popular M Boy Names

Here’s a list of the most popular boy names starting with M, along with their origins and meanings:

Name	Origin	Meaning
Michael	Hebrew	“Who is like God?”
Matthew	Hebrew	“Gift of God”
Mason	English	“Stone worker”
Muhammad	Arabic	“Praiseworthy”
Mateo	Spanish	“Gift of God”
Miles	Latin	“Soldier” or “merciful”
Max	Latin	“Greatest”
Maverick	American	“Independent, nonconformist”
Micah	Hebrew	“Who is like the Lord”
Milo	Germanic	“Merciful” or “soldier”
Miguel	Spanish	“Who is like God?”
Malachi	Hebrew	“My messenger”
Maxwell	Scottish	“Great stream”
Marcus	Latin	“Dedicated to Mars”
Martin	Latin	“Dedicated to Mars”
Mark	Latin	“Dedicated to Mars”
Matteo	Italian	“Gift of God”
Marshall	French	“Caretaker of horses”
Manuel	Hebrew	“God is with us”
Mario	Latin	“Warlike”
Mitchell	Hebrew	“Who is like God?”
Messiah	Hebrew	“Savior”
Maximus	Latin	“Greatest”
Magnus	Latin	“Great”
Maximiliano	Latin	“Greatest”
Memphis	Egyptian	“Enduring and beautiful”
Malik	Arabic	“King” or “sovereign”
Miller	English	“Grain grinder”
Mathias	Hebrew	“Gift of God”
Marcelo	Latin	“Young warrior”
Moshe	Hebrew	“Drawn from water”
Makai	Hawaiian	“Towards the sea”
Matthias	Hebrew	“Gift of God”
Marcel	Latin	“Dedicated to Mars”
Melvin	Scottish	“Chief of justice”
Matias	Spanish	“Gift of God”
Maximilian	Latin	“Greatest”
Morgan	Welsh	“Sea circle” or “bright sea”
Marvin	Welsh	“Great lord”
Madden	Irish	“Little dog” or “little warrior”
Moses	Hebrew	“Drawn from water”
Marley	English	“Pleasant seaside meadow”
Marco	Italian	“Warlike”
Maxton	English	“Greatest town”
Melvin	Scottish	“Chief of justice”
Mauricio	Latin	“Dark-skinned”
Milan	Slavic	“Gracious” or “dear”
Mekhi	Hebrew	“Who is like God?”
Morrison	English	“Son of Morris”
Maurice	Latin	“Dark-skinned”

Many of these names have been gaining popularity in recent years. Maverick has seen a huge surge, jumping hundreds of spots on the popularity charts. Mateo and Miles have also been climbing steadily.

Unique and Rare M Boy Names

Looking for something less common? Here are some unique M names that aren’t overused but still sound amazing:

• Marius (Latin: “Male” or “of Mars”)
• Macklin (English: “Son of Mack”)
• Merrick (Germanic: “Fame ruler”)
• Misha (Russian: “Who is like God?”)
• Montague (French: “Pointed mountain”)
• Murphy (Irish: “Sea warrior”)
• Mordecai (Hebrew: “Follower of Marduk”)
• Mars (Latin: “God of war”)
• Maceo (Spanish: “Gift of God”)
• Madox (Welsh: “Fortunate”)
• Makari (Greek: “Blessed”)
• Mercer (French: “Merchant”)
• Marlow (English: “Driftwood”)
• Maddox (Welsh: “Beneficent”)
• Meridian (Latin: “Midday”)

These names stand out because they’re distinctive without being too difficult to pronounce or spell. They strike that perfect balance between unique and practical.

International M Names From Around the World

Boy names starting with M vary widely across different cultures. Here’s a glimpse at popular international choices:

European M Names

• Mateo (Spain)
• Mael (France)
• Matteo (Italy)
• Mats (Sweden)
• Mikolaj (Poland)

Asian M Names

• Ming (China: “Bright”)
• Michio (Japan: “Man on the correct path”)
• Manish (India: “Lord of the mind”)
• Min-jun (Korea: “Clever and handsome”)

African M Names

• Makena (Kenya: “Happiness”)
• Mosi (Egyptian: “Firstborn”)
• Mandla (Zulu: “Power”)

Middle Eastern M Names

• Mahdi (Arabic: “Guided one”)
• Marwan (Arabic: “Hard stone”)

These international options add a distinctive flair while honoring cultural heritage. Many of these names work well in multicultural settings too.

Celebrity and Historical M Names

Many famous figures throughout history have sported M names. Their success has helped keep these names popular:

• Michael Jordan (basketball legend)
• Mark Twain (celebrated author)
• Martin Luther King Jr. (civil rights leader)
• Mozart (classical music genius)
• Marlon Brando (iconic actor)
• Muhammad Ali (boxing champion)
• Matthew McConaughey (award-winning actor)
• Morgan Freeman (distinguished actor)
• Malcolm X (civil rights activist)
• Mikhail Gorbachev (world leader)

Celebrity baby names starting with M have also influenced trends. For example, Moroccan (Mariah Carey’s son) and Moses (Gwyneth Paltrow’s son) have gained attention.

Choosing the Perfect M Name: Tips and Considerations

When selecting an M name for your boy, keep these factors in mind:

1. Sound and flow – How does it sound with your last name? Try saying it out loud several times.
2. Meaning matters – Research what the name actually means to ensure it aligns with qualities you value.
3. Nickname potential – Consider possible nicknames (Max for Maxwell, Mike for Michael).
4. Popularity balance – Decide if you want something common or unique.
5. Family traditions – Are there family names worth honoring?
6. Cultural significance – Does the name connect to your heritage?

It’s also worth considering how the name might grow with your child. A cute baby name should still work well for a professional adult!

M Names by Theme or Quality

If you’re looking for an M name with specific qualities or themes, check out these groupings:

Strong and Powerful M Names

• Magnus (“great”)
• Maverick (“independent”)
• Maximus (“greatest”)
• Mustafa (“chosen one”)

Nature-Inspired M Names

• Mountain
• Marsh
• Maple
• Moss

Religious M Names

• Moses
• Matthew
• Muhammad
• Malachi

Classic and Timeless M Names

• Michael
• Mark
• Martin
• Mitchell

Modern and Trendy M Names

• Maddox
• Maverick
• Memphis
• Major

Looking for more theme-based names? Check out animal team names for inspiration that could work for individuals too!

Frequently Asked Questions About M Names

Why are M names so popular for boys?

M names have stood the test of time because they often carry strong meanings related to leadership, strength, and achievement. The letter M itself has a solid, grounded sound that parents are drawn to for their sons.

What are some unique M names not many people use?

If you want something truly distinctive, consider options like Merrick, Marcellus, Macsen, Malakai, or Micaiah. These names are familiar enough to pronounce but rare enough that your child might be the only one in his class.

How do I choose between traditional and modern M names?

Think about what qualities you hope your child embodies and what kind of legacy you want the name to carry. Traditional names like Michael have staying power, while modern names like Maverick make a bolder statement. Consider family traditions, cultural background, and how the name will age over time.

Want more naming inspiration? Browse these team names starting with M for more ideas!

Resources for More M Name Ideas

If you’re still exploring options, check out these helpful resources:

• Social Security Administration’s annual name rankings
• Baby name databases like Nameberry and BabyCenter
• Family naming traditions
• Cultural naming guides specific to your heritage

And don’t forget to check if your chosen name pairs well with potential sibling names!

Final Thoughts on M Names for Boys

M names for boys offer a wonderful blend of strength, meaning, and versatility. Whether you prefer something classic like Michael or trendy like Maverick, there’s an M name that perfectly fits your little boy’s future personality.

Remember that the best name is one that resonates with you personally and feels right for your family. Trust your instincts – you’ll know when you’ve found “the one”!

What’s your favorite boy name that starts with M? Is it one from our list or something different? The perfect name is out there waiting for your little one!