Female and male first names beginning with the letter “M”..

Norwegian name derived from the Old Norse elements 'meri' (famous) and 'ek' (strength), meaning "strong fame" or "great power".

African origin feminine name meaning 'European' in Swahili, embodying adaptability, resilience, and harmony.

Unique American name created by author Mercedes Lackey for her fantasy novels, with no explicit meaning but often interpreted as "bringer of joy" or "songbird".

Meryl is a Hebrew origin name meaning "song" or "canticle", associated with musicality and celebrations.

Uncommon name with unknown origin, used for both boys and girls despite the lack of known meaning or history. Its rarity may contribute to its appeal among parents seeking unique names.

Rare Latin-derived given name that signifies the midday sun or sea, suggesting warmth and vastness.

American given name coined by playwright Paul Zindel in his 1970 play "The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds." Its origin and meaning remain uncertain, with theories ranging from Celtic influences to potential derivations from Mercedes or Miriam. Despite its unclear beginnings, Merilee's unique charm and association with Zindel's work continue to appeal to parents seeking distinctive names for their daughters.

Unique French name meaning "sea wolf.

English given name created by combining Mary, meaning "exalted one," and Marilyn, derived from Welsh Llŷn meaning headland.

Rare feminine name with uncertain origins, possibly a variant of Marilyn, but its meaning remains unknown.

Albanian feminine given name derived from the word "merimanga," meaning compassion or sympathy.

Enchanting Irish feminine given name derived from the Irish surname "O'Mearnin," meaning "descendant of the sea warrior.

Exquisite African origin name meaning "water lily" in the Bantu language of Madagascar.

Uncommon yet enchanting Irish girl's name derived from the ancient surname Merrin, translating to "the fair-haired one of the sea".

Welsh name derived from Myrddin meaning 'sea-born.'

Ancient Welsh female name that translates to "proud" or "valiant," originating from the historic personal name Meredudd.

Rare female name from Spain's Basque Country, meaning 'of the sea' in Basque.

Unique female name of Latin origin, derived from 'meris' meaning 'part', symbolizing sharing.

Georgian name meaning "sun", inspired by ancient sun god Ramisa.

Unique Hebrew girls' name meaning "to contemplate" or "observe", with historical roots and modern literary associations.

Turkish female name of historic prestige, translating to 'good fortune' or 'virtue', often chosen by prosperous families during the Ottoman Empire.

Merit: A Latin-origin name meaning 'to deserve' or 'earn', signifying worthiness through hard work.

Albanian feminine name derived from Latin 'meritus', meaning 'deserving' or 'merit'. It was traditionally given to girls of high social status in medieval Albania.

Uncommon English name derived from Old English "meriþ", meaning "joy" or "pleasure". It has historical significance but remains rare today.

Rare American female given name, likely created as a feminine form of the English surname Merritt, which means 'blackbird'.

Unique, feminine diminutive of Mertis, the Greek goddess of harmony and peace.

Unique Catalan girls' name derived from "meritxor," meaning "snow-covered peak.

Hebrew feminine given name meaning 'counsel' or 'advice', popularized by Judah Halevi's poem Kuzari.

Latin origin, meaning "dedicated to Mars," the Roman god of war. It was popular among ancient Romans and often given to girls born during times of conflict or whose fathers fought in wars.

Uncommon English name derived from the Anglo-Saxon 'Merīweorth', meaning 'famous warrior'.

Unique Persian girls' name derived from "meri" meaning 'sea,' associated with goddess Anahita. It's often used in hopes the bearer grows into grace, beauty, and intelligence, appearing in ancient texts like Ferdowsi's Shahnameh. Today, it remains popular globally despite its Persian origins.

Beautiful Hebrew name meaning "song," often associated with joyous celebrations like Sukkot, and popular among parents seeking a unique and meaningful name for their daughter.

Arabic feminine given name, derived from 'meraj' meaning 'ascension', referring to Prophet Muhammad's Night Journey and Ascension in Islamic tradition.

Merle is a French-origin name meaning 'blackbird', traditionally given to boys with dark hair.

Merle is a rare, distinct name of uncertain origin, possibly derived from French "merle" meaning blackbird or Germanic/Norse "murle" signifying dark-skinned. Used historically in France and among Huguenot settlers, it gained prominence through the Proust novel and notable figures like physicist Jean-Baptiste Joseph Merle. Today, its avian association makes it an appealing yet unique choice.

Italian girls' name derived from 'merlo', meaning 'blackbird', with historical and cultural significance in Italy.

Rare French-derived given name meaning 'blackbird,' historically used for both boys and girls.

Rare French given name derived from "mer" (sea) and "-land" (land), translating to "sea land".

Gender-neutral French given name derived from the Old German word "meri," meaning "famous" or "renowned." It has historical significance and cultural associations, including being associated with the merle bird, a symbol of good luck in some cultures. Notable figures bearing this name include historian Jean Merle d'Aubigné and actresses Merle Oberon and Meryl Streep.

French and German origin, means 'blackbird' and was historically popular for boys during the Middle Ages in France and England through Norman influence. Today, it can be used as a unisex given name or is found more commonly as a surname. Notable individuals with this name include Artie Shaw and Michael J. Fox.