Dog Names That Start With M

An unusual spin on Mila and Milena.

Irish Gaelic spelling of Molly, which derives from Mary.

The African tradition of day naming—giving a child a name inspired by the day, time, or season in which they were born—has become attractive to Western parents as word names increase in use. Midnight is a relatively new addition to the pool—it was used as a middle name by Nicole Richie and Joel Madden for their son in 2009.

This variation of Madelyn has the trendier -nn suffix and ranks lower than the single -n ending.

Not one but two Spice Girls are named Mel, which led to it briefly being more popular for girls than boys in the 90s and early 00s, but it has now fallen out of favor for both sexes.

An attractive optical illusion where heat causes light to reflect in the air as if off a body of water. It was used as a character name in the 2004 animated film The Incredibles.

Alternative to Princess or Queenie.

Alternative to Prince, Duke, King, or Earl, but not an improvement on them.

Old-man name, soft as a fraying gray cashmere cardigan, that would be even cuter for a girl.

Thoroughly masculine in Central Europe, although it may be misconstrued as a feminine name in English-speaking countries.

Pretty and distinctive choice for poetry lovers.

Momoko is a Japanese name meaning "peach child." It's also the name of a character in the popular Sailor Moon manga series.

The most popular variation of this Biblical name is Mateo, which has now surpassed the classic Matthew. Matteo is not far behind, and other variations are rising fast as well. Mateos is a variation used throughout Ethiopia that has yet to make it to the Western world, despite its super cool sound and wide appeal.

More and more variations of Mackenzie are joining the Top 1000.

Sounds like a displaced Dr. Seuss character.

One of the few French words/names not attractive to the American ear. It's pronounced moo-gay, not a winner on either syllable. Alternatives: Liliane, Lily, Lilou, Manon.

Manette might be a fresh way to spin Mary or Marie, but popular French Manon has more grace and heft. Manet takes Manette in an artistic direction.