Names from Whats My Line

Maxene is a feminine name derived from Maxine, which itself comes from the Latin name Maximus, meaning 'greatest.' This elegant variation gained recognition through Maxene Andrews of the popular 1940s singing trio, The Andrews Sisters. The unique spelling with an 'e' instead of 'i' gives the name a distinctive, refined quality while maintaining the strong, classic character of its root. Though less common than Maxine, Maxene offers the appealing nicknames Max or Xene. The name conveys strength and achievement through its etymological meaning while its musical association adds artistic flair. Maxene remains relatively rare, appealing to parents seeking a name with substance and historical resonance.

With the success of all names Max, from Max itself to Maxwell to Maxfield to Maximilian, it's just possible that Maxine could be lured away from her mah-jongg game at the clubhouse and into the nursery. She's already been chosen by hip musician Nick Hexum for his daughter, sister to Echo.

Meade is a masculine name with English origins, derived from an Old English surname meaning 'meadow' or referring to someone who lived near a meadow. Alternatively, it may have evolved from the occupation of a mead-maker, mead being a fermented honey drink with ancient origins. As a given name, Meade has remained relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality that appeals to parents seeking something traditional yet unique. The name carries a certain aristocratic air, perhaps influenced by historical figures like General George Meade who led Union forces at Gettysburg. Its short, strong sound conveys dignity and clarity, while its connection to meadows suggests natural beauty and openness. Though rare in contemporary use, Meade offers a refined alternative to more popular nature-inspired names.

Meadowlark Lemon, known as the "Clown Prince" of the Harlem Globetrotters, played professional basketball for an astonishing 40 years. Lemon's original name was Meadow, as was his father's and his grandfather's, but he legally changed it to Meadowlark.

Though most Mels are playing pinochle with Murray and Morris, there was a notable Saint Mel. He is one of the earliest Irish saints, a nephew of St. Patrick. He became a priest, then built a great monastery where he served as abbot.

Australian opera singer Nellie Melba—self-named for her hometown of Melbourne—inspired this now-dated name more associated today with a peach dessert and dietetic toast.

This traditional Greek name has held somewhat steady in the lower half of the US Top 1000 for the past 25 years, which makes it a great option for parents looking for a name that both fits in and stands out.

A sleek, smooth, understated name off the grid in the US but among the Top 100 girl names in Germany. In the US, it is a unisex name, while in Germany and the Netherlands, it is predominantly feminine.

Merrill is a unisex name with Anglo-Saxon origins, though it's more commonly used for males. Derived from the Old English surname Muriel, which combines elements meaning "famous" and "sea." Alternatively, it may come from Murrell, a diminutive of Moore meaning "marshy land." Merrill gained popularity in the United States during the early 20th century, peaking in the 1930s and 1940s. While its usage has declined since then, it maintains a classic, distinguished quality. The name is often associated with intellectualism and professionalism, perhaps bolstered by its connection to the financial firm Merrill Lynch. Though relatively uncommon today, Merrill offers a sophisticated option with historical depth.

Merv is a masculine name that typically serves as a shortened form of Mervyn, which has Welsh origins meaning 'sea hill' or possibly Celtic roots meaning 'mariner.' The name gained some recognition through personalities like British broadcaster Mervyn 'Merv' Griffin. As a standalone name, Merv has a straightforward, unpretentious quality that exemplifies the mid-20th century preference for brief, strong-sounding male names. While never reaching widespread popularity, Merv has maintained a steady presence, particularly in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. The name's single syllable gives it a direct, no-nonsense character that contrasts with longer, more elaborate naming trends. Merv carries a somewhat vintage appeal, reminiscent of the generation of men who came of age in the mid-20th century, giving it a distinct personality and historical context.

Derived from Aku, the name of the Babylonian god of the moon. In the Book of Daniel in the Old Testament this is the Babylonian name of Mishael, one of the three men cast into a furnace but saved by God. Meshach Taylor is an actor who has been featured on several sitcoms.

Michael was the Number 1 American boys' name for almost half a century. While Michael has moved out of the Top 10 baby boy names, it's still widely used.

One of those quintessentiallyFrench names still wearing a beret, also too tied to the image of tires.

Pugnacious and spunky like the young Mickey Rooney and the original Mickey Mouse, but virtually never given to babies today.

Mickey is a nickname-name redolent of the mid-20th century and best-known as a mouse name. While this spelling works for either gender, the girls' version is more often spelled Micki.

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

Unlike Jake or Sam, few parents put Mike on the birth certificate.

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.