You’ve got some exciting news — you and your partner are expecting a baby, and you’re over the moon! So many thoughts are likely racing through your mind: Will it be a boy or a girl? What nursery theme should you pick? What kind of parents will you be? One of the biggest questions of all might be: What will their name be? If you’re looking for boy names that start with M, you’re in the right place. We’ve gathered a list of 301 M boy names to help inspire the perfect choice for your little one.
301 Boy Names That Start With M
There are so many great M names boy parents love, so we’ve broken them down into helpful categories. From strong and bold to soft and sweet, this list of boy names starting with M is sure to spark some inspiration.
10 Popular Boy Names That Start With M
These popular M boy names have topped the charts for years — and for good reason. They’re familiar, well-loved, and aren’t going out of style anytime soon.
1. Mark — Latin for “warlike.”
2. Mason — This is an English occupational name for a stone worker.
3. Mateo — A Spanish name meaning “gift of God.”
4. Matthew — This name means “gift of God” in Hebrew.
5. Maverick — English for “independent” or “nonconformist.”
6. Maxwell — A Scottish name meaning “great stream.”
7. Micah — Hebrew for “who is like the Lord.”
8. Michael — Hebrew for “who is like God.”
9. Miles — This name means “soldier” or “merciful” in English.
10. Milo — Latin and Old German for “soldier” or “merciful.”
26 Cute Boy Names That Start With M
Every baby deserves a name as adorable as they are — and these cute boy names deliver just that. From timeless picks to modern gems, these M names for boys are sweet, playful, and full of personality.
1. Mackenzie — A Scottish name meaning “son of Kenneth.”
2. Magee — This Irish name means “son of Hugh.”
3. Makana — This name means “gift” in Hawaiian.
4. Mandy — Italian and Portuguese for “soldier.”
5. Manny — This name means “God is with us” in Hebrew.
6. Marcello — Italian and Spanish for “young warrior.”
7. Mariano — An Italian and Spanish name meaning “relating to the god Mars.”
8. Marley — This name means “pleasant seaside meadow” in English.
9. Marquis — This is a rank of nobleman in between duke and count. It’s an Old French word meaning “march.”
10. Maruf — In Arabic, this name means “kindness.”
11. Matty — Hebrew for “gift of God.”
12. Mauricio — This name means “dark-skinned” in Spanish.
13. Merry — An English name meaning “joyful.”
14. Mickey — In Hebrew, this name means “who is like God.”
15. Miggy — Short for Miguel, this nickname is Spanish for “God-like.”
16. Mikey — Hebrew for “who is like God.”
17. Miko — This name means “beautiful child” in Japanese.
18. Ming — Chinese for “shining bright.”
19. Misha — A Russian name meaning “who is like God.”
20. Mitt — This name means “settlement with a mill” in English.
21. Moby — This name means “great white whale” in English.
22. Momo — Japanese for “peach.”
23. Monty — This name means “pointy hill” in English.
24. Moon — English for “one who enlightens the night.”
25. Mortimer — An English name meaning “dead sea.”
26. Mowgli — Rudyard Kipling created this name. He once said that it was an Indian name that meant frog, but it is made up and has an unknown origin and meaning.
25 Modern Boy Names That Start With M
Trendy and fresh, these M boy names reflect today’s rising naming styles. From sleek sounds to cool spellings, this list of modern boy names includes picks that are quickly climbing the charts.
1. Macklin — A Scottish name meaning “son of the servant of Saint John.”
2. Maddox — Welsh for “son of Madoc.”
3. Magic — This name means “full of wonder” in English.
4. Maine — French for “mainland.”
5. Majestic — An English name meaning “impressive beauty.”
6. Major — This is a military rank and means “greater” in Latin.
7. Makai — Hebrew for “who is like God.”
8. Marvel — This name means “to be filled with wonder or astonishment” in English.
9. Maven — A Hebrew name meaning “one who understands.”
10. Maxton — English for “greatest.”
11. Mayhem — This name means “chaos” in English.
12. Maze — The meaning of this name is “gift of God” in Breton.
13. Mega — This name means “clouds” in Sanskrit and “big” in Greek.
14. Mercy — The meaning of this name is “compassion” in English.
15. Meteor — This is an English name for a streak of light in the sky or a celestial object entering the earth’s atmosphere.
16. Mighty — English for “powerful.”
17. Million — This name symbolizes wealth in English.
18. Minor — A Latin name meaning “younger.”
19. Miracle — Latin for “wonder” or “marvel.”
20. Mirage — In French, this name means “fantasy” or “illusion.”
21. Money — English for “currency.”
22. Monte — A Norman name meaning “manpower.”
23. Music — An English word name for the arrangement of sound that creates harmony, melody, or rhythm.
24. Myles — English for “soldier” or “merciful.”
25. Mystery — This name means “unexplained” in English.
9 Common Boy Names That Start With M
These boy names with M may not top the popularity charts, but they’re still familiar, well-loved, and timeless. If you’re after a classic name that’s easy to love but not overused, this list is a great place to start.
1. Madison — This name means “son of Matthew” in English.
2. Marco — Italian and Spanish for “warlike.”
3. Marcus — A Latin name meaning “warlike.”
4. Mario — This Italian name also means “warlike.”
5. Marshall — English for “one who looks after horses.”
6. Miguel —This name means “who is like God” in Spanish and Portuguese.
7. Mitchell — This English name also means “who is like God.”
8. Morgan — Welsh for “seaborn” or “sea-circle.”
9. Murphy — An Irish name meaning “sea warrior.”
27 Cool Boy Names That Start With M
These cool boy names have serious style — whether it’s a bold sound, a sleek vibe, or a unique edge. If you’re on the hunt for standout M boy names, this list delivers some seriously cool contenders.
1. Madden — This Irish name means “little dog.”
2. Mads — A Danish name meaning “gift of God.”
3. Makaveli — English for “bad nail” or “king of light.”
4. Maloney — An Irish name meaning “devotee of the church.”
5. Malthe — Danish for “rule” or “power.”
6. Manolo — The meaning of this name is “God is with us” in Spanish.
7. Marlon — In Old French, this name means “little hawk.”
8. Marsden — English for “boundary valley.”
9. Marshawn — This name means “God is gracious” in Hebrew and Latin.
10. Marv — Welsh for “sea hill.”
11. Marx — This name means “warlike” in Latin.
12. Massimo — The meaning of this name is “the greatest” in Latin.
13. Mat, Matt — Hebrew for “gift of God.”
14. Max — An English name meaning “greatest.”
15. Mayer — German for “landlord” or “farmer.”
16. Meinrad — In German, this name means “strong adviser.”
17. Mendoza — This name means “cold mountain” in Basque.
18. Mercer — This is a French occupational name for a merchant.
19. Mercury — Latin for “Roman messenger God.”
20. Mick — English for “who is like God.”
21. Mikael — A Scandinavian name meaning “who is like God.”
22. Mike — This name also means “who is like God” in English.
23. Mitch — Hebrew for “who is like God.”
24. Modu — This Chinese name means “hero.”
25. Moore — An English name meaning “the moors.”
26. Morris — English for “dark-skinned.”
27. Mustafa — An Arabic name meaning “the chosen one.”
25 Badass Boy Names That Start With M
If you’re looking for a name with grit and attitude, these badass boy names bring the edge. From bold to rebellious, these M boy names have a fearless vibe that stands out in the best way.
1. Macaulay — Scottish for “son of righteousness.”
2. Macgyver — A Scottish name meaning “son of Ivor.”
3. Maguire — This Irish name means “son of the beige one.”
4. Mahershala — Hebrew for “swift to the plunder.”
5. Mahihkan — This name means “wolf” in Cree.
6. Malik — Arabic for “king” and Greenlandic for “wave.”
7. Malloy — An Irish name meaning “noble chief.”
8. Mandela — This name is inspired by the late Nelson Mandela, a former President of South Africa. The meaning is unknown.
9. Mars — This is a Latin name and the god of war in Roman mythology.
10. Martinez — Spanish for “son of Martin.”
11. Maui — This is the name of the trickster god in Polynesian mythology. It is also a city in Hawai’i.
12. Maximo — In Latin, this name means “greatest.”
13. Maz — Spanish for “twin.”
14. McCallister — This name means “son of Alasdair” in Gaelic.
15. McClain — Gaelic for “son of the servant of Saint John.”
16. Meriwether — English for “happy weather.”
17. Merlin — This name means “sea fortress” in Welsh.
18. Michelangelo — Italian for “messenger who is like God.”
19. Mingus — A Scottish name meaning “tenants of a manor.”
20. Monroe — This Scottish name means “mouth of the Roe river.”
21. Morpheus — This is the god of sleep and dreams in Greek mythology.
22. Morrison — English for “son of Morris.”
23. Motley — The meaning of this name is “mixed” or “varied” in English.
24. Mozart — German for “bog” or “marsh.”
25. Mufasa — An African name meaning “king.”
23 Strong Boy Names That Start With M
These strong boy names are bold, confident, and full of meaning. If you’re drawn to M names for boys that feel powerful and inspiring, this list has plenty of standout options for your little one.
1. Macgregor — A Scottish name meaning “son of Gregor.”
2. Magnar — This name means “strength” in Norse.
3. Mahesh — The meaning of this name is “great ruler” in Sanskrit.
4. Malin — This name means “strong” in English and “little warrior” in Sanskrit.
5. Malone — An Irish name meaning “a devotee of Saint John.”
6. Marcellus — Latin for “young warrior.”
7. Marimo — In Spanish, this name means “manly.”
8. Masaru — Japanese for “victory” or “excellence.”
9. Maximus — The meaning of this name is “greatest” in Latin.
10. Maynard — German for “brave” or “strong.”
11. Mazhar — This name means “honored” in Turkish.
12. McCarthy — An Irish name meaning “son of Cárthach.”
13. McCoy — This name means “fire” in Irish.
14. McKinley — This Scottish name means “son of the fair hero.”
15. McNeil — Gaelic for “son of Neil.”
16. Melech — A Hebrew name meaning “king.”
17. Merrick — Welsh for “fame and power.”
18. Montell — This name means “mountain” in French.
19. Montez — Spanish for “dweller in the mountains.”
20. Montezuma — Nahuatl for “Lord frowns in anger.”
21. Moose — This is a Native American name that resembles the animal and means “strong man.”
22. Morrissey — An Irish name meaning “descendant of Muiris.”
23. Murdoch — This Scottish name means “mariner.”
14 Southern Boy Names That Start With M
A good Southern name brings warmth, strength, and tradition — and these M names deliver just that. Whether you’re drawn to down-home charm or rugged appeal, this list of country boy names is full of standout options for your little cowboy.
1. Mac, Mack — This name is Scottish and Irish for “son of.”
2. Macdonald — A Scottish name meaning “son of Donald.”
3. Macon — French for “stone worker” or “marsh dweller.”
4. Malcolm — A Scottish name meaning “devotee of St. Colomba.”
5. Manning — This Irish name means “monk.”
6. Marmaduke — An Irish name meaning “servant of Madoc.”
7. Marvin — Welsh for “sea hill.”
8. Memphis — This name means “enduring and beautiful” in Greek.
9. Merle — French for “blackbird.”
10. Merritt — An English name meaning “boundary gate.”
11. Miller — This is an English occupational name for someone who grinds grain.
12. Milton — English for “settlement with a mill.”
13. Montana — Spanish for “mountainous.”
14. Montgomery — A Norman name meaning “manpower.”
14 Biblical Boy Names That Start With M
If you’re drawn to names rooted in faith, these biblical boy names are rich in history and meaning. From classic figures to lesser-known choices, this list of M names for boys offers timeless options that carry spiritual significance.
1. Mahlon — Hebrew for “sickly.”
2. Malachi — This name means “my messenger” in Hebrew.
3. Matthias — An Aramaic name meaning “gift of God.”
4. Medad — This name means “love” in Hebrew.
5. Mechior — This name means “king” and “light” in Hebrew.
6. Menahem — Hebrew for “the comforter.”
7. Merari — In Hebrew, this name means “bitter.”
8. Messiah — This name means “expected savior or deliverer” in Aramaic.
9. Methuselah — A Hebrew name meaning “man of the dart.”
10. Midian — Hebrew for “strife.”
11. Moab — This name means “from my father” in Hebrew.
12. Mordecai — Hebrew for “follower of Marduk.”
13. Moses — An Egyptian name meaning “delivered from the water.”
14. Moza — This name means “fountain” or “going forth” in Hebrew.
19 Old Names for Boys That Start With M
These old-fashioned names have stood the test of time — and for good reason. If you’re looking for boy names with M that bring a classic, vintage feel, this list offers plenty of timeless options with lasting appeal.
1. Macbeth — A Scottish name meaning “son of life.”
2. Magnus — This Scandinavian name means “greatest.”
3. Manfred — German for “man of peace.”
4. Marceau — This name means “little warrior” in French.
5. Marcel — This name is also French for “little warrior.”
6. Martin — Latin for “warlike.”
7. Maurice — An English and French name meaning “dark-skinned.”
8. Maury — This name also means “dark-skinned” in English.
9. Maximilian — The meaning of this name is “greatest” in Latin.
10. Mercutio — This is a French name created by William Shakespeare for the tragedy “Romeo and Juliet. It means “of Mercury.”
11. Melville — A Scottish name meaning “settlement on infertile land.”
12. Melvin — English and Scottish for “council protector.”
13. Merrill — This name means “sea bright” in English.
14. Mervyn — Welsh for “sea hill.”
15. Moe — An English name meaning “delivered.”
16. Montague — This name means “pointy hill” in French.
17. Morty — English for “dead sea.”
18. Muhammad — An Arabic name meaning “praiseworthy.”
19. Muriel — This Irish name means “of the bright sea.”
52 Unique Boy Names That Start With M
If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, this list of unique boy names is full of unexpected gems. These M names for boys are distinctive, memorable, and perfect for parents who want a name that stands out.
1. Macario — Spanish for “blessed.”
2. Maclin — A Scottish name meaning “son of the servant of Saint John.”
3. Madi — This Arabic name means “to praise.”
4. Maheer — An Arabic name meaning “brave.”
5. Maksen — Welsh for “the greatest.”
6. Malakai — In Hebrew, this name means “my angel.”
7. Manan — The meaning of this name is “meditate” in Hindi.
8. Manas — This name means “intelligence” in Hindi.
9. Mansour — An Arabic name meaning “he who is victorious.”
10. Marc — French and Welsh for “warlike.”
11. Marci — This name means “warlike” in Latin.
12. Marius — Latin for “manly” or “dedicated to Mars.”
13. Marko — Spanish for “warlike.”
14. Markus — A German and Finnish name meaning “warlike.”
15. Marlowe — The meaning of this name is “driftwood” in English.
16. Marquan — A combination of “leader” in Chinese and “warlike” in Latin.
17. Marquise — This is an uncommon spelling of “Marquis,” an English name for the rank of nobleman between duke and count.
18. Marshell — English for “one who looks after horses.”
19. Mase — In Old French, this name means “stone worker.”
20. Mateus — A Portuguese name meaning “gift of God.”
21. Matey — English for “buddy” or “friend.”
22. Matthieu — A French name meaning “gift of God.”
23. Mattia — This name means “gift of God” in Italian.
24. Maxime — French for “greatest.”
25. Maxx — An English and German name that also means “greatest.”
26. Mayson — This is an English occupational name for a stone worker.
27. Mazzi — This name means “sir” in Igbo.
28. McKade — A Scottish name meaning “from the wetlands.”
29. Mehki — English and Hebrew for “who is like God.”
30. Meiko — In Japanese, this name means “to sprout.”
31. Meziah — This name means “anointed one” in Hebrew.
32. Micha — Hebrew for “who is like the Lord.”
33. Michel — A French and German name meaning “who is like God.”
34. Michi — Japanese for “path.”
35. Mico — This name means “beautiful child” in Japanese.
36. Mika — Japanese for “beautiful fragrance.”
37. Mikai — This name means “ocean” in Japanese.
38. Mikkel — A Scandinavian name meaning “enormous.”
39. Miklos — A Hungarian name meaning “people of victory.”
40. Milan — This Italian place name means “gracious.” It also means “union” in Sanskrit.
41. Millard — Latin for “caretaker of the mill.”
42. Milogost — A Slavic name meaning “gracious guest.”
43. Moises — This name means “delivered from the water” in Spanish and Portuguese.
44. Montego — Spanish for “mountainous.”
45. Moris — English and French for “dark-skinned.”
46. Mory — This name means “dark-skinned” or “mulberry” in French.
47. Moss — English for “descendant of Moses.”
48. Moussa — An Arabic name meaning “water.”
49. Moustafa — This name means “chosen” in Arabic.
50. Muna — The meaning of this name is “wishes” or “desires” in Arabic.
51. Munir — This name means “shining” in Arabic.
52. Myle — Greek for “mill.”
57 Rare Boy Names That Start With M
If you’re hoping to give your son a name that stands out, this list of rare boy names is full of uncommon gems. These boy names with M are distinctive, underused, and perfect for parents who want something different and memorable.
1. Maccabee — This name means “hammer” in Aramaic.
2. Macdara — An Irish name meaning “son of oak.”
3. Made — This name means “middle” in Sanskrit.
4. Magali — Greek for “pearl.”
5. Mahmoud — An Arabic name meaning “praiseworthy.”
6. Maison — French for “house.”
7. Majid — This Arabic name means “illustrious.”
8. Makram — The meaning of this name is “noble trait” in Arabic.
9. Manaaki — This name means “nourish, nurture, and protect” in Māori.
10. Manilla — Spanish for “handle” or “bracelet.”
11. Manjeet — This name means “spirit” and “victory” in Sanskrit.
12. Manual — A Hebrew name meaning “God is with us.”
13. Manzu — This name means “running water” in Italian.
14. Margus — An Estonian name meaning “warlike.”
15. Markel — The meaning of this name is “dedicated to Mars” in German.
16. Massey — This name means “gift of God” in English.
17. Matei — Hebrew for “gift of God.”
18. Matisyahu — This name also means “gift of God” in Hebrew.
19. Mavi — This Turkish name means “blue.”
20. Mawgan — A Cornish name meaning “praise.”
21. Mayne — German for “brave.”
22. McKai — This Scottish name means “son of Kay.”
23. Mead — This name means “from the meadow” in English.
24. Meelis — An Estonian name meaning “mind.”
25. Mehmet — This Turkish name means “praiseworthy.”
26. Metztli — This name means “moon” in Nahuatl.
27. Michika — Japanese for “multiple.”
28. Milano — The meaning of this name is “from Milan” in Italian.
29. Milovan — A Slavic name meaning “love” or “caress.”
30. Minato — Japanese for “harbor.”
31. Minnu — The meaning of this name is “night sky” in Sanskrit.
32. Miroslav — This Slavic name means “peace and glory.”
33. Mithran — The meaning of this name is “the sun” in Hindi.
34. Mitul — This name means “measured” in Sanskrit.
35. Mladen — Slavic for “young.”
36. Mohid — Arabic for “believing in one god.”
37. Moisey — This name means “delivered from the water” in Russian.
38. Montrell — Spanish and Italian for “mountain.”
39. Morandi — In Italian, this name means “son of Morando.”
40. Morice — English for “dark-skinned.”
41. Morley — An English name meaning “moor” or “meadow clearing.”
42. Moroz — Russian for “frost.”
43. Moshe — In Hebrew, this name means “son” or “deliver.”
44. Mosi — Swahili for “first child.”
45. Mostyn — This name means “moss town” in Welsh.
46. Motoki — Japanese for “submerged rock.”
47. Mpho — This name means “gift” in Tswana.
48. Mstislav — A Slavic name meaning “vengeance and glory.”
49. Mubin — Arabic for “distinct.”
50. Mugo — This name means “prophet” in Kikuyu.
51. Mukal — This name means “blossom” in Arabic.
52. Mumtaz — Arabic for “distinguished.”
53. Munachi — This name means “me and my God” in Igbo.
54. Murad — An Arabic name meaning “wish.”
55. Murari — This name means “Lord Krishna” in Sanskrit.
56. Murat — This Turkish name means “wish.”
57. Mylen — A Slavic name meaning “beloved.”
We hope you found some great contenders among these boy names that start with M to add to your growing list. Starting with a single letter, like these M boy names, is a smart way to begin narrowing things down. Just remember: there’s no wrong choice when it comes from the heart. Naming your baby should be exciting, not stressful, so enjoy the process!
Be sure to check out some of our other baby name lists, like short boy names, one-syllable boy names, preppy names, nature names, and trendy boy names. You can also visit our baby names hub for even more inspiration.