Power Names/Fantasy

Unusual Mary variety with literary underpinnings, most famously as a character in J.M. Synge's Riders to the Sea. You may have to do constant explaining of the spelling and pronunciation, but if you're looking for a distinctive and attractive form of Mary, you've found it.

Although often connected to the men's magazine title, Maxim is a chic and powerful name for a little boy. It's proving moderately popular too, having been in the Top 1000 in the US since the year 2000.

Slightly weightier alternative to Maxine

The Islamic prophet Muhammad was born in the city of Mecca, now known as the holiest city in Islam. Officially called Makkah al-Mukarramah, or Makkah, it is located in modern-day Saudi Arabia. Millions of Muslims from across the world make a pilgrimage there each year, while Non-Muslims are understandably not allowed inside the city.

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.

Homophonous with Mae and May, the beautiful (literally) Mei is poised to climb the charts. The hero of the 2022 Disney/Pixar film Turning Red is a Chinese-Canadian teen named Meilin "Mei" Lee, which may boost the name ever further.

This is a rich, melodic shortening of the popular girls' name Amelia that can stand on its own. There are several figures in Greek myth named Melia, most notably a daughter of Oceanus. The Meliae are nymphs associated with trees.

A medieval Cornish name which despite sounding similar to the French name Emeraude, is actually connected to the Welsh name Morfydd. Pronunciation rhymes with Herod -- and yes, the final d is pronounced.

Though this Biblical place name is found among early American settlers, usually as a male name, today it sounds completely feminine. As a place name, its gender is mutable in any case. An unusual and intriguing Biblical option, albeit one with an unhappy meaning.

The name of a breed of Spanish sheep is hardly worthy of a child.

Albert Einstein's first wife was Mileva Marić, a Serbian student and his classmate at the Zurich Polytechnic (her childhood nickname was Mitza.) With the newfound popularity of Mila, this obscure Old Slavic name may be discovered outside of its native land.

Millais is an unusual feminine name derived from a Scottish surname, most famously associated with the Pre-Raphaelite painter Sir John Everett Millais. Pronounced 'MILL-ay,' this name carries artistic and cultural associations through its connection to the renowned 19th-century artist. As a given name, Millais remains extremely rare, appealing to parents seeking distinctive options with artistic heritage. The name has no traditional gender association in its surname form, though it appears more commonly given to girls. Its rarity means most Millais bearers would likely need to explain both pronunciation and origin. The name's artistic pedigree gives it sophistication and cultural depth, making it appealing to parents drawn to the arts, Victorian aesthetics, or uncommon Scottish-derived names with intellectual associations.

Pretty and distinctive choice for poetry lovers.

Minerva is the long-neglected name of the Roman goddess of wisdom and invention, the arts and martial strength, one of the mythology names for girls that might appeal to adventurous feminist parents. With Juno and Jupiter, she made the Capitoline triad, whose worship was at the very center of Roman religion.

One of those pan-European nickname names much more familiar in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe than in the US, though related name Mina is making a comeback here. Light and bright, it could be an alternative to Mila, Minnie, or Millie.

Miram appears to be a variant spelling of Miriam, a classic feminine name with ancient Hebrew origins. In Hebrew, Miriam means 'sea of bitterness,' 'rebelliousness,' or 'wished-for child.' This name carries significant biblical heritage, as Miriam was the sister of Moses and Aaron in the Old Testament, known for her prophetic gifts and leadership. The spelling 'Miram' might represent a regional variation or a simplified form that emerged through transliteration across different languages. While much less common than the standard Miriam, Miram offers a slightly more streamlined appearance while maintaining the same melodic pronunciation. The name conveys a sense of timelessness and heritage, connecting its bearer to thousands of years of tradition across multiple cultures and religions.

A pretty and unusual path to the nickname Mira. Mira is the main character in Nobel Prize-winner Federico Mistral's poem of the same name. Mireya Moscoso was Panama's first female president.

The 6th century Irish saint Mirin emigrated to Scotland and now is the patron saint of both the Glasgow suburb of Paisley and the game of football.

Mirinda is a feminine name with a melodic quality that appears in several language traditions. In Esperanto, it literally means "wonderful" or "amazing," derived from the verb "miri" (to wonder). Some may recognize it as a commercial beverage brand, though the name predates this usage. Mirinda has Latin influences and shares roots with words like "miracle" and "admire." The name has a pleasing rhythmic pattern with its three syllables and soft ending. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it enjoys modest usage in parts of Europe and Latin America. Mirinda offers a unique alternative to more common names like Miranda or Melinda, providing distinctiveness while maintaining an intuitive pronunciation and spelling. Its positive meaning makes it particularly appealing.