Dog Names That Start With M

  1. Mollie
    • Origin:

      Variation of Molly
    • Description:

      This new/old spin on Molly -- nickname-names with the ie ending were particularly popular at the turn of the last century -- that has landed this name in the US Top 1000.
  2. Mustafa
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "the chosen one"
    • Description:

      Mustafa is a name widely used in Turkey, as it was the given name of the man popularly known as Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey. Mustafa is also an epithet of the prophet Muhammad and was the name of four Ottoman sultans. Other spellings include Mostafa, Moustafa, and Moustapha.
  3. Medora
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "mother's gift"
    • Description:

      Medora is a Greek name much less common here than, say, Melanie or Melissa. It has some literary references, including as the beautiful and passionate heroine of Lord Byron's poem The Corsair, and in Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence, there is a character named Marchioness Melora Manson.
  4. Miracle
    • Origin:

      Word name, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "wonder, marvel"
    • Description:

      A surprisingly popular spiritual name that entered the US Top 500 in 2003. As of 2023, it is still a Top 500 choice, where it fits in with similar bold word names like Chosen, Blessing, and Dream. Miracle is a familiar name in Nigeria too, where it is used as a unisex option.
  5. Mirela
    • Origin:

      Slavic
    • Meaning:

      "peace, world"
    • Description:

      Mirela is a name used in Romania and Croatia and is related to popular Mira.
  6. Mariska
    • Origin:

      Hungarian diminutive of Maria
    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
    • Description:

      Actress Hargitay made us notice this one, it makes a robust, energetic Slavic impression.
  7. Munro
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "mouth of the river Ro"
    • Description:

      Takes Monroe out of the Dead Presidents category and gives it new life.
  8. Mar
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "sea"
    • Description:

      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.
  9. Marylou
    • Origin:

      English, combination of Mary and Lou
    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + famous battle"
    • Description:

      Truncated form of Marylouise.
  10. Mignon
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "delicate, dainty"
    • Description:

      Charming French endearment, first used as a name by Goethe, that now makes an appealing choice -- though the proper feminine form is Mignonne. Note, though, that this is not actually used as a name in France, where Manon would be the closest choice.
  11. Mace
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "heavy club"
    • Description:

      Has a slight aura of danger, from its being two types of weapons and a looming character in the Star Wars films. Best left as a nickname for Mason.
  12. Melita
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "honey"
    • Description:

      A coffee filter.
  13. Matvii
    • Origin:

      Ukrainian variation of Matthew, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"
  14. Magenta
    • Origin:

      Color name
    • Description:

      Magenta is a vivid Crayola color name, that could make a vivid, colorful choice. It was named in 1859 after the Napoleonic Battle of Magenta, a town in Northern Italy.
  15. Melat
    • Origin:

      Amharic, Ethiopian
    • Meaning:

      "gift of God; fine linen; sweet"
    • Description:

      Melat is a lovely girl name that is frequently used in Ethiopia. Several meanings of Melat are possible, including "gift of God", and "sweet". Melat also refers to the fine linen or silk woven in the Virgin Mary's dress.
  16. Maison
    • Origin:

      French word name
    • Meaning:

      "house"
    • Description:

      Mason with a French accent. It first entered the US Top 1000 in 2012, and it will likely hang on for as long as its brother-in-spelling-variations, Mayson.
  17. Meri
    • Origin:

      Finnish; Maori "sea; Mary"
    • Meaning:

      "sea; Mary"
    • Description:

      Upbeat name that cheers you as soon as you hear it. One famous bearer is Maori feminist Meri Te Tai Mangakāhia.
  18. Macon
    • Origin:

      French place-name
    • Description:

      What with Mason scooting up the charts, this attractive place-name, with its thick Georgia accent, could make a more distinctive alternative.
  19. Marcelle
    • Maxime
      • Origin:

        French variation of Maximus
      • Description:

        Common in France, but could be confused with the feminine Maxine here.