Dog Names That Start With M

A few semifamous Marlas have kept this name alive.

This name associated with several saints would make a truly distinctive choice for a child with a Russian heritage.

Unisex Japanese name more often given to boys.

The Spanish and Portuguese word for "sea" is a Top 100 name in Spain. In America, it's sometimes used as a nickname for names like Martina and Marina, but it could also plausibly stand on its own.

This charming name, popular in France and the Netherlands, has not traveled to the U.S. yet but would make a modern way to honor grandma Mary or Louise, or as a perfect short form of Mary Louise. Or, with the growing fashion for nickname names, it can stand perfect well on its own. One of several similar variations — Lou, Lilou, Louane — in vogue in Europe.

Also spelled Macsen, this ancient name manages to sound modern and cool. An heroic namesake was Maxen Wledig, a fourth century Spanish-born general who led the Roman army out of Britain, and as Emperor was the most powerful occupant of the throne of the Caesars who had ever ruled Europe from the City of the Seven Hills.

This Maori name, often heard in New Zealand, is an attractive, evocative choice for lovers of the ocean made famous – perhaps too famous – by the Disney heroine. Moana was also an alternate name for the heroine Ofelia in Pan's Labyrinth. Moana may also be a color name for a deep ocean blue ("lanu moana"). Moana and other Disney Princess Names are the subject of a featured blog.

Used especially in Latin America, this would make a funky spin on Maria.

The unusual-to-the-English-ear Moritz is a Top 25 name in Germany and Austria and a form of Maurice or Morris, which are modern variations of the ancient Roman Maurus. There were several early saints named Maurus and a famous 3rd century Saint Maurice, who was a Roman infantryman who was martyred when he refused to worship Roman gods. The Moritz form also references the posh Swiss ski resort St. Moritz.

Looking to honor Grandma Mary (or Maria) with something original? This Russian short form bears an unfortunate resemblance to the English word "mash", but if you can look past that, Masha has possibilities.

Mino is traditionally a name for people born along Spain's Minho River or Rio Mino. It may be a surname or a first name.

Mauve is an offbeat color name whose soft and sentimental Victorian spirit is conveyed by the name. One of the newer color names like Blue, Gray and Plum that are increasingly being used as novel middle names.

Neil Gaiman invented this name for a character in his comic book Sandman. It can now be seen on the TV show Lucifer.

Sweet Japanese choice.

Sixties-style nickname which is also the name of a small biting insect, particularly prevalent in Scotland.

Michael was the Number 1 boys' name for 50 years, so today parents are choosing or inventing modern variations to take its place.

With the ubiquitous Max heard at every playground across the country, international versions have been gaining traction in an attempt to provide a fresh avenue to the highly sought nickname. This Spanish iteration has been in the US Top 1000 for most of the 21st century. This is one of many Spanish baby names with international power.

Designer (as in Marc Jacobs) form of Mark. An international classic, but long falling in popularity as a boys' name.

A staple of Hispanic naming, Manuel is the Spanish variation of the English Emmanuel.

Maelyn practically doubled in use in 2019 after singer Maelyn Jarmon won that year's season of The Voice. It dropped a little the following year.