ances tree
- Michal
Origin:
Czech, Slavic, and Polish variation of MichaelMeaning:
"who is like God?"Description:
Michal may be one of several Eastern European forms of Michael, though there is a biblical Michal who is female, the daughter of Saul and wife of David.
- Michell
Description:
Michell is a masculine variation of Michael, though it can occasionally be used for girls as well. The name derives from the Hebrew name Mikha'el, meaning 'who is like God?' This spelling variant offers a distinctive touch to the classic Michael while maintaining its strong heritage. Historically, Michael has been one of the most enduring masculine names across many cultures, honoring the archangel Michael from religious traditions. The Michell spelling creates a bridge between Michael and Mitchell, giving it a slightly softer sound while retaining masculine associations. Though less common than the traditional spelling, Michell has maintained modest usage throughout English-speaking countries, appealing to parents seeking a familiar name with a slightly unconventional presentation.
- Michelle
Origin:
French variation of MichaelMeaning:
"who is like God"Description:
Michelle is the feminine form of Michel, the French variation of Michael. Michael was derived from the Hebrew name Mihka’el, meaning "who is like God." The alternate spelling Michele, with one "L," was the original version of the name. Michelle appeared as a later Anglicization in the 20th century.
- Michiel
Origin:
Dutch form of MichaelDescription:
Closely associated in the States with handsome young actor Michiel Huisman, who's best known for playing Daario Naharis in HBO's "Game of Thrones."
- Mickey
Origin:
Diminutive of MichaelDescription:
Pugnacious and spunky like the young Mickey Rooney and the original Mickey Mouse, but virtually never given to babies today.
- Miguel
Origin:
Spanish and Portuguese variation of Michael, HebrewMeaning:
"Who is like God"Description:
Mike Tyson put a twist on his own name by naming a son Miguel. It's the first name of Cervantes, the great Spanish novelist and poet who wrote Don Quixote.
- Mikolaj
Description:
Mikolaj is the Polish form of Nicholas, a masculine name with Greek origins meaning 'victory of the people.' This name is particularly popular in Poland, where it has strong cultural and religious significance. Mikolaj (pronounced mee-KO-wye) is the Polish name for St. Nicholas, making it especially prominent around Christmas time. The name has maintained consistent popularity in Poland and among Polish diaspora communities worldwide. While it might present pronunciation challenges for non-Polish speakers, Mikolaj offers a distinctive alternative to the more common Nicholas or Nick. The name carries a sophisticated European flair while connecting to the beloved saint known for generosity, making it both culturally rich and meaningful.
- Mildred
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"gentle strength"Description:
When scientists do research on the effects of an unpopular name, we're afraid that Mildred is one of the examples they cite, often in tandem with Bertha and Gertrude. But with cute nickname Millie on the rise, anything's possible.
- Miles
Origin:
English form of Milo, Latin and Old German,"soldier or merciful"Meaning:
"soldier or merciful"Description:
Miles, which has a permanent veneer of cool thanks to jazz great Miles Davis, is a confident and polished boys' name that's an American classic. Always ranking in the US Top 1000, it's been drifting up the charts for the past half century and now ranks at its highest point ever, in the Top 50.
- Millard
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"caretaker of the mill"Description:
If you're looking for a presidential first name, keep looking.
- Mills
Description:
Feels akin to Brooks and Rivers, two other boys' names that double as plural nouns. It's been used as a first name for centuries, including by a two time governor of Virginia.
- Milton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"settlement with a mill"Description:
Once an upper-class British surname conjuring up the epic poetry of John Milton, it then descended to the antics of "Uncle Miltie" Berle, and now has left the stage completely.
- Miner
Description:
Miner is a masculine occupational name derived from the English language, referring to someone who works in mines extracting coal, ore, or other minerals. As a first name, Miner is uncommon and carries strong working-class connotations, evoking images of hard work, determination, and industrial heritage. The name gained limited use in America during the 19th century when occupational names were occasionally adopted as given names. While rare in contemporary usage, Miner might appeal to families with mining heritage or those seeking a unique, rugged name with clear meaning and historical significance.
- Minerva
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"of the mind, intellect"Description:
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.
- Minor
Description:
Minor is a masculine name with Latin origins, derived from 'minor' meaning 'smaller' or 'lesser.' Traditionally used as a surname indicating a younger son or sibling, it transitioned to first-name status following the trend of surname adoption. As a given name, Minor has remained uncommon throughout history, appealing to parents seeking distinctive alternatives to popular names. It carries connotations of humility and unpretentiousness while maintaining a strong, concise sound. Minor has occasionally appeared in literature and historical records but has never reached mainstream popularity, maintaining its status as a rare and distinctive choice for boys.
- Minuet
Origin:
French, dance termDescription:
Minuet is delicate, dancey, and lacy, with a Masterpiece Theatre feel. Is Minuet a real name? Not really, though similar-sounding French names such as Minette and Manette are.
- Miriam
Origin:
Hebrew or EgyptianMeaning:
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"Description:
The oldest-known form of Mary, serious and solemn Miriam has been a particular favorite of observant Jewish parents. But we can see it extending beyond that sphere into the next wave of Old Testament names post-Rachel, Rebecca, Sarah, Hannah, and Leah. Miriam is currently the Number 1 girls' name in Israel.
- Moise
Origin:
Judeo-Italian variation of Mosè, ItalianMeaning:
"delivered from the water"Description:
Version of Moses commonly used among Italian Jews in the Middle Ages.
- Molly
Origin:
Diminutive of Mary, HebrewMeaning:
"bitter"Description:
Molly is one of the original nickname names, ALWAYS ranking among the US Top 500 girl names since statistics began, in 1880. Molly peaked in 1991 only to rise just as high again in 2011, and though softening retains a good measure of popularity and charm.
- Monroe
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"mouth of the Roe river"Description:
Monroe is a presidential surname which feels fresher than Jackson, Lincoln and Taylor. Marilyn Monroe is a famous female namesake, but her smart Scottish surname feels equally usable for either sex. Plus, we think old man nickname Moe would sound both cool and adorable on a baby boy today!