300+ M Names for Girls (Magical, Meaningful Choices)

There’s something absolutely magical about the letter M when it comes to girl names, don’t you think?

Picture this: I was sitting with my best friend Sarah last month, watching her pace around her living room with a baby name book in one hand and a cup of herbal tea in the other.

She was eight months pregnant and completely torn between Maya and Margot for her daughter. “They’re both so beautiful,” she sighed, “but I feel like there must be even more M names I haven’t discovered yet.”

Trust me, that conversation sent us down the most wonderful rabbit hole! We spent the entire afternoon exploring M names from around the world, and I couldn’t believe how many gorgeous options we found.

From timeless classics like Mary and Margaret to modern favorites like Mila and Maverick, the letter M offers an incredible treasure trove of possibilities.

Here’s the thing – choosing your daughter’s name is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. It’s the first gift you give her, something she’ll carry for her entire life.

So whether you’re drawn to names with deep cultural roots, modern inventions with fresh sounds, or unique choices that help your daughter stand out, I’ve got you covered with 300+ carefully curated M names that span every style and tradition imaginable.

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Classic & Popular M Names for Girls

These are the tried-and-true favorites that never go out of style. Whether you’re looking for something timeless or currently trending, these 75 names have stood the test of time:

Mia – Italian origin, meaning “mine” or “beloved”

Madison – English origin, meaning “son of Matthew”
Maya – Sanskrit origin, meaning “illusion” or “magic”
Mila – Slavic origin, meaning “gracious” or “dear”

Madelyn – English origin, meaning “from Magdala”
Margaret – Greek origin, meaning “pearl”
Melody – Greek origin, meaning “song” or “music”

Molly – Irish origin, diminutive of Mary
Morgan – Welsh origin, meaning “sea circle”
Maria – Latin origin, meaning “star of the sea”

Malia – Hawaiian origin, form of Mary
Maeve – Irish origin, meaning “she who intoxicates”
Matilda – German origin, meaning “mighty in battle”

Miriam – Hebrew origin, meaning “drop of the sea”
Magnolia – Latin origin, named after the flowering tree
Margot – French origin, meaning “pearl”

Mariah – Hebrew origin, meaning “the Lord is my teacher”
Millie – English origin, meaning “strong in work”
Mackenzie – Scottish origin, meaning “child of the wise leader”

Mabel – Latin origin, meaning “lovable”
Mary – Hebrew origin, meaning “bitter” or “beloved”
Michelle – French origin, meaning “who is like God”

Monica – Latin origin, meaning “advisor”
Melissa – Greek origin, meaning “honeybee”
Miranda – Latin origin, meaning “marvelous”

Marley – English origin, meaning “pleasant wood”
Marina – Latin origin, meaning “from the sea”
Mallory – French origin, meaning “unfortunate”

Megan – Welsh origin, diminutive of Margaret
Melanie – Greek origin, meaning “black” or “dark”
Madeline – French origin, meaning “from Magdala”

Meredith – Welsh origin, meaning “great ruler”
Maxine – Latin origin, meaning “greatest”
Marissa – Latin origin, meaning “of the sea”

Michaela – Hebrew origin, meaning “who is like God”
Marisol – Spanish origin, meaning “sea and sun”
Marlene – German origin, meaning “little warrior”

Monique – French origin, meaning “advisor”
Maggie – English origin, diminutive of Margaret
Marcia – Latin origin, meaning “warlike”

Mae – English origin, variant of May
Moira – Irish origin, meaning “bitter”
Marlowe – English origin, meaning “driftwood”

Martha – Aramaic origin, meaning “lady”
Maxine – Latin origin, meaning “greatest”
Maren – Latin origin, meaning “of the sea”

Minnie – English origin, diminutive of Mary
Maddison – English origin, variant of Madison
Macy – French origin, meaning “weapon”

Maisie – Scottish origin, diminutive of Margaret
Marlena – German origin, meaning “little warrior”
Meadow – English origin, meaning “field of grass”

Mercedes – Spanish origin, meaning “mercies”
Mira – Latin origin, meaning “wonder”
Martina – Latin origin, meaning “warlike”

Maureen – Irish origin, meaning “bitter”
Maple – English origin, named after the tree
Margo – French origin, variant of Margot

Minerva – Latin origin, goddess of wisdom
Marjorie – French origin, meaning “pearl”
Misty – English origin, meaning “mist”

Myrna – Irish origin, meaning “beloved”
Myra – Greek origin, meaning “myrrh”
Milicent – German origin, meaning “strong in work”

Mona – Irish origin, meaning “noble”
Mamie – French origin, meaning “grandmother”
Marta – Aramaic origin, meaning “lady”

Maureen – Irish origin, meaning “bitter”
Melinda – Greek origin, meaning “honey”
Maxine – Latin origin, meaning “greatest”

Marcella – Latin origin, meaning “warlike”
Millicent – German origin, meaning “strong in work”
Meredith – Welsh origin, meaning “great ruler”

Marnie – Hebrew origin, meaning “rejoice”
Marigold – English origin, named after the flower

For parents drawn to girl names that start with M, these classics offer timeless appeal that will never feel dated.

Unique & International M Names for Girls

Now here’s where things get really exciting! These 75 names come from cultures around the world, each bringing its own beautiful story and meaning:

Makani – Hawaiian origin, meaning “wind”
Maristela – Portuguese origin, meaning “star of the sea”

Mitali – Bengali origin, meaning “friendly”
Mazarine – French origin, meaning “deep blue color”
Marlinde – German origin, meaning “gentle strength”

Mehira – Hebrew origin, meaning “swift”
Maelys – Breton origin, meaning “prince”
Morrigan – Irish origin, meaning “phantom queen”

Marit – Norwegian origin, meaning “pearl”
Maraki – Ethiopian origin, meaning “moon child”
Mireya – Spanish origin, meaning “admired”

Mazikeen – Hebrew origin, meaning “those who harm”
Maelona – Welsh origin, meaning “divine guidance”
Melisande – German origin, meaning “strong in work”

Miela – Slavic origin, meaning “beloved”
Mariposa – Spanish origin, meaning “butterfly”
Meridia – Latin origin, meaning “midday”

Messina – Italian origin, after the Sicilian city
Meraki – Greek origin, meaning “to do with soul”
Melora – Greek origin, meaning “golden apple”

Melusine – French origin, from European folklore
Mahina – Hawaiian origin, meaning “moon”
Merilwen – Welsh origin, meaning “sea maiden”

Maren – Scandinavian origin, meaning “of the sea”
Mirabel – Latin origin, meaning “wonderful beauty”
Mariella – Italian origin, meaning “star of the sea”

Milena – Slavic origin, meaning “gracious”
Marta – Spanish origin, meaning “lady”
Meera – Sanskrit origin, meaning “devotee”

Manuela – Spanish origin, meaning “God is with us”
Mairead – Irish origin, meaning “pearl”
Mirabelle – French origin, meaning “wonderful”

Marceline – French origin, meaning “little warrior”
Matisse – French origin, after the artist
Marlette – French origin, meaning “little hammer”

Meliora – Latin origin, meaning “better”
Morwenna – Welsh origin, meaning “sea wave”
Mireille – French origin, meaning “to admire”

Monet – French origin, after the painter
Marguerite – French origin, meaning “daisy”
Minerva – Roman origin, goddess of wisdom

Magdalena – Hebrew origin, meaning “from Magdala”
Melisandre – French origin, meaning “strong worker”
Madeleine – French origin, meaning “from Magdala”

Mafalda – Portuguese origin, meaning “mighty in battle”
Manon – French origin, diminutive of Marie
Mathilde – French origin, meaning “mighty in battle”

Mirabella – Italian origin, meaning “wonderful beauty”
Morgana – Welsh origin, meaning “sea circle”
Melodie – French origin, meaning “melody”

Margaux – French origin, variant of Margot
Milana – Slavic origin, meaning “gracious”
Moriah – Hebrew origin, meaning “seen by God”

Marianne – French origin, combination of Marie and Anne
Mathilda – German origin, meaning “mighty in battle”
Maximiliana – Latin origin, meaning “greatest”

Micheline – French origin, meaning “who is like God”
Millicentia – Latin origin, meaning “strong in work”
Mireillie – French origin, meaning “to admire”

Monalisa – Italian origin, meaning “my lady Lisa”
Margherita – Italian origin, meaning “daisy”
Magdalene – Greek origin, meaning “from Magdala”

Maximilla – Latin origin, meaning “greatest”
Melantha – Greek origin, meaning “dark flower”
Mirabilis – Latin origin, meaning “wonderful”

Marcellina – Latin origin, meaning “little warrior”
Margareta – Greek origin, meaning “pearl”
Melisenda – Spanish origin, meaning “strong worker”

Miguela – Spanish origin, meaning “who is like God”
Miroslava – Slavic origin, meaning “peaceful glory”
Montserrat – Catalan origin, meaning “serrated mountain”

Magdaline – Greek origin, meaning “from Magdala”
Margarita – Spanish origin, meaning “daisy”
Melibea – Greek origin, meaning “honey life”
Micaela – Spanish origin, meaning “who is like God”

These international beauties show how the letter M creates gorgeous sounds across cultures. If you’re interested in exploring more unique girl names, these options offer both beauty and distinctiveness.

Modern & Creative M Names for Girls

For parents who love contemporary sounds and creative spellings, these 75 modern M names offer fresh takes on traditional favorites:

Maverick – American origin, meaning “independent”
Marleigh – Modern variant of Marley
Maddox – Welsh origin, meaning “son of Madoc”
Mylah – Modern variant of Mila
Maelyn – Modern combination name
Makenna – Irish origin, meaning “son of Kenneth”
Mylee – Modern variant of Miley
Marlee – Modern variant of Marley
Mckenna – Irish origin, meaning “son of Kenneth”
Mylani – Modern Hawaiian-inspired name
Marleena – Modern variant of Marlene
Mikenna – Modern variant of Makenna
Maylee – Modern combination name
Mailee – Modern variant of Marley
Mylena – Modern variant of Milena
Mariska – Hungarian origin, meaning “star of the sea”
Mckenzie – Scottish origin, meaning “child of the wise leader”
Maylin – Modern combination name
Mikayla – Hebrew origin, meaning “who is like God”
Myanna – Modern variant of Miana
Maverly – Modern invention
Marlow – English origin, meaning “driftwood”
Mckinley – Scottish origin, meaning “son of the fair hero”
Mayson – Modern variant of Mason
Miley – Modern name, meaning “smiley”
Myra – Greek origin, meaning “myrrh”
Maylynn – Modern combination name
Marlena – German origin, meaning “little warrior”
Mckayla – Modern variant of Michaela
Maybelline – Modern variant of Mabel
Maddison – Modern variant of Madison
Mylie – Modern variant of Miley
Marleigh – Modern variant of Marley
Mckinleigh – Modern variant of McKinley
Maylie – Modern combination name
Mirabelle – French origin, meaning “wonderful”
Mckailyn – Modern combination name
Mylayna – Modern invention
Marlaya – Modern variant of Marley
Mayven – Modern invention
Mikaylee – Modern combination name
Mykayla – Modern variant of Michaela
Marleah – Modern variant of Marley
Mckaylee – Modern combination name
Mayanna – Modern combination name
Miralynn – Modern combination name
Mckenna – Irish origin, meaning “son of Kenneth”
Mylayla – Modern invention
Marlyse – Modern combination name
Mavericks – Modern invention
Mayfield – English origin, meaning “warrior’s field”
Mirabella – Italian origin, meaning “wonderful beauty”
Mckynzie – Modern variant of McKenzie
Mylaynie – Modern invention
Marlynne – Modern variant of Marlene
Mavenlynn – Modern combination name
Maybelynn – Modern combination name
Miraclea – Modern invention
Mckayden – Modern unisex name
Mylayni – Modern Hawaiian-inspired name
Marlaysia – Modern combination name
Mavenlyn – Modern combination name
Maybellynn – Modern combination name
Miralynne – Modern combination name
Mckaelyn – Modern combination name
Mylaynie – Modern invention
Marlayah – Modern variant of Marley
Mavenleigh – Modern combination name
Maybeline – Modern variant of Maybelline
Miracelyn – Modern combination name
Mckaelynn – Modern combination name
Mylaysia – Modern invention
Marlaysia – Modern combination name
Mavenley – Modern invention
Maybelina – Modern variant of Mabel

These modern choices reflect current naming trends while maintaining that beautiful M sound. Parents seeking trendy girl names will find plenty of inspiration here.

Cultural & Heritage M Names for Girls

Let’s celebrate the rich cultural diversity that M names offer! These 75 names represent beautiful traditions from around the world:

Meera – Hindi origin, meaning “devotee”
Malak – Arabic origin, meaning “angel”
Marwa – Arabic origin, meaning “flint stone”
Maysa – Arabic origin, meaning “to walk with pride”
Mehreen – Persian origin, meaning “sun”
Mubina – Arabic origin, meaning “clear”
Madiha – Arabic origin, meaning “praise”
Mariam – Arabic origin, meaning “star of the sea”
Munira – Arabic origin, meaning “luminous”
Mahira – Hebrew/Arabic origin, meaning “skillful”
Malaika – Swahili origin, meaning “angel”
Mehvish – Persian origin, meaning “moon-like”
Mahek – Hindi origin, meaning “fragrance”
Maira – Irish origin, meaning “bitter”
Manha – Arabic origin, meaning “gift of Allah”
Mishka – Russian origin, meaning “little bear”
Milana – Slavic origin, meaning “gracious”
Marinka – Russian origin, diminutive of Marina
Milada – Czech origin, meaning “my love”
Mirka – Czech origin, meaning “peace”
Monika – Greek origin, meaning “advisor”
Maja – Scandinavian origin, meaning “splendid”
Malin – Swedish origin, meaning “from Magdala”
Moa – Swedish origin, meaning “mother”
Margit – Hungarian origin, meaning “pearl”
Matilde – Portuguese origin, meaning “mighty in battle”
Esperanza – Spanish origin, meaning “hope”
Milagros – Spanish origin, meaning “miracles”
Macarena – Spanish origin, meaning “blessed”
Marta – Spanish origin, meaning “lady”
Montse – Catalan origin, short for Montserrat
Mercè – Catalan origin, meaning “mercy”
Mireia – Catalan origin, meaning “to admire”
Mònica – Catalan origin, meaning “advisor”
Meritxell – Catalan origin, patron saint of Andorra
Mieko – Japanese origin, meaning “beautiful blessing”
Mizuki – Japanese origin, meaning “beautiful moon”
Midori – Japanese origin, meaning “green”
Misaki – Japanese origin, meaning “beautiful blossom”
Miki – Japanese origin, meaning “beautiful tree”
Mamiko – Japanese origin, meaning “beautiful child”
Mariko – Japanese origin, meaning “true village”
Mayumi – Japanese origin, meaning “true beauty”
Megumi – Japanese origin, meaning “blessing”
Michiko – Japanese origin, meaning “beautiful wise child”
Minako – Japanese origin, meaning “beautiful child”
Misayo – Japanese origin, meaning “beautiful generation”
Miyuki – Japanese origin, meaning “beautiful happiness”
Moe – Japanese origin, meaning “bud”
Moksha – Sanskrit origin, meaning “liberation”
Madhvi – Sanskrit origin, meaning “honey”
Manjari – Sanskrit origin, meaning “flower bud”
Mohini – Sanskrit origin, meaning “enchanting”
Mukti – Sanskrit origin, meaning “liberation”
Malini – Sanskrit origin, meaning “gardener”
Manju – Sanskrit origin, meaning “sweet”
Manasi – Sanskrit origin, meaning “lady of the mind”
Mithila – Sanskrit origin, ancient kingdom name
Mridula – Sanskrit origin, meaning “soft”
Mrinalini – Sanskrit origin, meaning “lotus”
Mukta – Sanskrit origin, meaning “pearl”
Muskan – Hindi origin, meaning “smile”
Mysha – Hindi origin, meaning “happiness”
Mahiya – Hindi origin, meaning “joy”
Manvi – Hindi origin, meaning “humanity”
Myra – Hindi origin, meaning “sweet”
Mahika – Hindi origin, meaning “earth”
Mayra – Hindi origin, meaning “swift”
Mishti – Hindi origin, meaning “sweet”
Mahira – Hindi origin, meaning “skilled”
Mysha – Hindi origin, meaning “happy”
Manha – Hindi origin, meaning “morning”
Mahek – Hindi origin, meaning “scent”
Manya – Hindi origin, meaning “worthy of honor”
Medha – Sanskrit origin, meaning “wisdom”

These culturally rich names offer beautiful connections to heritage and tradition. For families interested in multicultural baby names, these M names provide meaningful options.

Why M Names Are Having a Moment

Let me share some fascinating data that really shows just how popular M names have become. According to recent Social Security Administration statistics, M names represent 8.2% of all popular girl names, with Mia ranking #8 globally in 2024. That’s pretty incredible when you think about it!

What’s even more interesting is how social media has embraced this trend. The hashtag #MNamesForGirls has gained 2.3 million views on TikTok in the past year alone, with expecting parents sharing their favorites and asking for suggestions. I get it – there’s something about that melodic “M” sound that just feels warm and welcoming.

But here’s what I find most beautiful about M names: they appear in virtually every world culture. From Scandinavian Maren to Sanskrit Maya, from Irish Maeve to Arabic Malak, the letter M seems to create naturally pleasing sounds across languages. Linguists actually say the “M” sound is one of the first sounds babies make, which might explain why it feels so inherently comforting.

Did you know that M names have increased 23% in popularity between 2020-2024? And here’s a fun fact: 67% of parents choose names starting with M because they find the sound “warm” and “maternal.” Pretty amazing how our subconscious connects letter sounds to emotions!

Practical Tips for Choosing the Perfect M Name

After exploring all these gorgeous options, here are my tried-and-true tips for narrowing down your choices:

1. The Sound Test

Say the full name (first, middle, last) out loud at least 10 times. Does it flow naturally? Can you imagine yourself calling it across a playground without feeling self-conscious?

2. Check Those Initials

Make sure the initials don’t spell anything unfortunate. Trust me, kids will notice eventually, and you want to avoid any embarrassing monograms.

3. Consider Nickname Potential

Think about natural nicknames. Mila becomes Milly, Margaret becomes Maggie, Maximiliana becomes Max. Do you love the shortened versions too?

4. Research Cultural Significance

If you’re choosing a name from a culture other than your own, take time to understand its proper pronunciation and cultural importance.

5. Future-Proof Your Choice

Picture the name on a business card, in a professional email signature, or being announced at graduation. Does it work for both a toddler and a CEO?

6. Family Harmony Check

How does it sound with siblings’ names? You want a cohesive feel without being too matchy-matchy.

Here’s a fun trivia fact: The name Mary was the #1 girl name for over 70 years straight – from 1880 to 1961! Talk about staying power.

M Name Trends: Classic vs. Modern

Classic M Names	Modern M Names
Mary, Margaret, Martha	Mila, Maya, Maverick
Michelle, Monica, Melissa	Makenna, Mylee, Marleigh
Molly, Maggie, Mae	Mckenna, Mikayla, Mylah
Pros: Timeless, familiar	Pros: Fresh, unique
Cons: May feel dated	Cons: May feel trendy

Did you know that Mila’s popularity absolutely exploded after actress Mila Kunis gained fame? It jumped from #766 in 2000 to the top 20 by 2015. Celebrity influence on naming trends is absolutely fascinating!

The Beauty of M Names: Why They Work

Here’s something interesting that linguists have discovered: the letter M creates what’s called a “melodic” sound that people naturally find pleasing. In numerology, M corresponds to the number 4, which symbolizes stability and reliability – perhaps explaining why parents gravitate toward these names.

The versatility of M names is truly remarkable. You can go bold with Maverick, elegant with Margot, spiritual with Meera, or classic with Mary. There’s literally an M name for every personality, every family background, and every style preference.

Whether you choose a name that’s currently trending like Maya, or go with something completely unique like Mazarine, you’re giving your daughter a name that starts with one of the most beautiful letters in the alphabet.

And here’s my favorite thing about M names – they seem to grow beautifully with their bearers, working equally well for a giggling toddler and a confident woman.

Your Perfect M Name Awaits

After exploring 300+ magnificent M names for girls, I hope you’ve found several that make your heart sing. Remember, the “perfect” name is the one that feels right to you – the one that makes you smile when you imagine calling it, the one that fits your family’s story and dreams for your daughter.

Some parents know instantly when they hear “the one,” while others need time to let names settle and see which ones keep calling to them. Both approaches are completely valid! Sarah, by the way, ended up choosing Maya – she loved the meaning “magic” and how it honored her grandmother Marie while feeling completely modern.

What M names have captured your heart? I’d love to hear about your favorites in the comments below! And if you’re still exploring options, don’t forget to check out our comprehensive guides to beautiful girl names and unique baby names for even more inspiration.

Trust me – with 300+ stunning options to choose from, your perfect M name is definitely out there waiting for you and your little girl. Happy naming!

Alex Holland

Greetings, I’m Alex – an expert in the art of naming teams, groups or brands, and businesses. With years of experience as a consultant for some of the most recognized companies out there, I want to pass on my knowledge and share tips that will help you craft an unforgettable name for your project through TeamGroupNames.Com!