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From the minute you found out you were expecting, you’ve probably been daydreaming and researching baby names. Should you choose a trendy name, one that honors a family member, or something classic and timeless?
Research shows that at times, a person's name can influence how others see them and it can even send signals to outsiders, as to an individual's culture or background. Names can even have an impact on employability. So, naturally, making just the right baby name choice can be overwhelming.
Now you've decided that you want to choose a baby name starting with “M” — but you’re also drawing a blank. If this sounds like you, here are some ideas to help you get started.
Most popular names for boys starting with "M"
If you're set on choosing one of the many baby names starting with "M," the following names — according to data from the Social Security Administration — were the most popular names in 2021.
Micah
Micah — a variation of Michael — is of Hebrew origin meaning "who is like God?"
In an online forum for the website, Behind the Name, users connect and discuss baby names. “I fell in love with the name Micah while watching the TV series, 'Heroes,'" said a user who goes by the name, LovelySky. "It is a refreshing alternative for the overly-used, Michael.”
Maverick
Most popular in the Northeast and Midwest — Maverick which means "independent" — is currently one of the trending baby names starting with "M."
Mason
This name, meaning "brick layer" or "stone worker" is the English occupational last name for those who worked in that field. The name has its origins in Latin from the verb "to make."
Matthew
The name Matthew means "gift of God" and is of English origin. It is derived from the Hebrew name of the apostle, Mattith-yahu.
Matteo
This name of Italian origin means, "gift of God" and also originates from the Hebrew Biblical name of the apostle, Matthew.
Miles
The name Miles — which is of Latin origin — means "soldier," is one of the top baby names starting with "M," and is a variation of the German name, Milo.
Old-fashioned names for boys that start with "M"
In case you'd rather your child not get lost in the sea of Masons in the classroom, you may want to choose a nostalgic baby name that you likely haven't heard since you hung out with your grandparents.
Speaking on the topic of ageism in the workplace, in a recent AARP article, Craig Vakiener — human resources manager at Pencor Services — set the record straight.
“It used to be that if you saw an old-fashioned name, you could tell the age of the applicant. Nowadays, though, with the trend towards using family and historically based names, it's impossible to judge an applicant by the name on the resume."
Malachi
Malachi — which means "messenger of God" in Hebrew is slowly becoming one of the more popular names for boys starting with "M."
Milton
Just as some names indicate occupation, others like Milton, refer to where a person lives. The name Milton is of English origin and means "from the mill town."
Martin
From the Latin word "Martis" referring to the Roman god Mars, Martin can be both a last name and a first name. The name Martin means "God of War."
Maddock
Maddock is a name of Welsh origin meaning "good."
Gender-neutral "M" names
In recent years, parents not wanting to apply gender labels and stereotypes to their children, have opted for unisex baby names. These non-binary or gender-neutral baby names starting with "M" work well for parents who choose not to know the gender of the baby before it's born and for those whose children ultimately embrace a gender different from the one in which they're born. Apart from that, gender-neutral baby names are just fun!
Mackenzie
The name Mackenzie is a gender-neutral name meaning "son of Kenneth." it is of Scottish origin.
Marley
Marley is of English origin and means "from the boundary field" or a "wood or clearing."
Morgan
Of Welsh origin, the unisex baby name Morgan means "great circle."
Merrick
This name is of English origin and means "fame rule" or "fame, power, and strength."
