Popular in the Netherlands
- Lotta
Origin:
Short form of Charlotta or CarlottaDescription:
This nickname-name is very popular in Germany, though Lottie is still the preferred version in the US. The problem, of course, is that you'll have to put up with a lotta jokes. See?
- Lova
Origin:
Diminutive of Lovisa, SwedishMeaning:
"renowned warrior"Description:
Lova, a Louise relative virtually unknown in the US, is one of the top girl names in Sweden.
- Lowen
Origin:
CornishMeaning:
"joy"Description:
Could Lowen be the next Owen? This Cornish name certainly has the right sounds to be an American hit, and is rising dramatically for both boys and girls.
- Luciano
Origin:
Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese variation of LucianMeaning:
"light"Description:
A vibrant, operatic choice with plenty of flair and plenty of familiarity too. Popular in Italy, Chile, Uruguay, and Brazil, it also ranks in the Top 500 in France and the US. Operatic tenor Luciano Pavarotti and football manager Luciano Spalletti are two notable bearers
- Lune
Description:
Lune is a delicate feminine name derived from the French word for 'moon.' With Latin origins in 'luna,' this name carries celestial associations and evokes images of moonlight and nighttime serenity. Though rare in English-speaking countries, Lune has occasional usage in France and among parents drawn to French-inspired names. The name's single-syllable simplicity belies its rich poetic qualities and mythological connections—the moon being associated with feminine energy in many cultures. Lune offers a subtle alternative to the more common Luna while maintaining the same ethereal qualities. Its brevity, elegant sound, and meaningful connection to the night sky make it appealing for parents seeking something both simple and evocative.
- Lien
- Linne
- Liselot
- Loet
- Louay
- Lovi
- Malou
Origin:
Combination of Mary and LouMeaning:
"bitter; renowned warrior"Description:
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.
- Marlie
Description:
Marlie is a modern feminine name that combines elements of traditional names like Mary and Charlie, or possibly represents a variation of Marley. Its soft sounds and ending with the feminine 'ie' suffix give it a gentle, contemporary feel. The name gained popularity in the early 2000s, reflecting the trend toward names that sound familiar yet fresh. Marlie has a versatile quality—it can evoke either a sweet, feminine impression or a slightly tomboyish character depending on the individual. The name works well cross-culturally and has been embraced in multiple English-speaking countries. Marlie's rise coincided with the popularity of similar-sounding names like Harley and Kaylie, representing parents' desire for names that balance tradition with modernity.
- Mats
Origin:
Scandinavian diminutive of Matthias, AramaicMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
If you're looking for a Euro-chic alternative to Max, Mats is a strong possibility. It's a fading classic in Norway, but is popular in the Netherlands and Belgium, where short names are the height of style.
- Mayla
Description:
Mayla is a modern feminine name with several possible origins. It may be a variation of Maila, which has Finnish roots, or it could be related to Maela, a Breton name. Some consider it a blend of the popular names May and Layla. The name has a melodic, gentle sound with its flowing consonants and feminine ending. Mayla has grown in popularity during the 21st century, particularly in the United States, as parents have been drawn to names with the popular '-la' ending sound. The name conveys a sense of freshness and natural beauty, possibly evoking connections to spring (May) depending on the interpretation. Though still relatively uncommon, Mayla has been steadily rising in usage.
- Mayson
Origin:
Spelling variation of MasonDescription:
Mayson, usually a spelling variation of the popular boys' occupational name Mason, has been on the US Top 1000 since 2010. This follows as trend for adding the letter Y to a name or substitution as Y for another vowel, as in Ayden or Kaytlyn.
- Medina
Origin:
Arabic, Old EnglishMeaning:
"city of the prophet; the middle one"Description:
Medina commonly refers to a city in Saudi Arabia where the prophet Muhammad began his work to establish Islam. It is considered the second holiest city in Islamic tradition, and is also known as The Luminous City, The Enlightened City, and The City of the Prophet.
- Mehmet
Origin:
Turkish variation of Muhammad, ArabicMeaning:
"praiseworthy"Description:
A common form of Muhammad in Turkey, where the spelling Muhammed is also used. In the US, Mehmet is commonly known as the first name of Dr. Oz.
- Melle
Description:
Melle is a masculine name with diverse potential origins. In Germanic language traditions, it may be related to names containing the element 'mel' meaning 'council' or 'assembly.' In Frisian regions of the Netherlands, Melle has been used as a male name historically. It could also derive from place names in northern Europe. The name has a simple, strong quality with its two syllables and straightforward pronunciation. While uncommon in most English-speaking countries, Melle sees some usage in parts of northern Europe, particularly the Netherlands and Germany. The name's brevity gives it a contemporary feel despite its traditional roots, making it appealing for those seeking a masculine name that is both distinctive and unpretentious.
- Meva
Origin:
UzbekMeaning:
"fruit"