The Most Popular Boy Names That Start with M, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the boy names you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 4, 2024 06:15
Choosing a name for a new baby can be a thrilling yet daunting task for many parents. It involves a blend of personal preference, cultural significance, and the desire for uniqueness. Focusing on names that start with 'M' gives a specific range to explore, aiding those who have a particular affinity for this initial.
Over the years, certain 'M' names have surged in popularity due to various factors including celebrity influences and cultural trends. By voting on this list, users contribute to capturing a snapshot of current preferences and trends, which can be incredibly helpful for expectant parents navigating the sea of options and looking for that perfect 'M' name.
What Are the Most Popular Boy Names That Start with M?
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169votesA classic name that has remained popular for decades, Michael is of Hebrew origin and means "who is like God." It has been a top 10 name in the US since the 1950s.Michael is a traditional boy's name that has remained popular for centuries. It carries biblical origins and is derived from the Hebrew name 'Mikha'el,' meaning 'Who is like God?'. Michael is a timeless and versatile name that transcends cultural boundaries.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Who is like God?
- Popularity: Consistently popular for centuries
- Cultural Relevance: Widely used in Western cultures
- Religious Significance: Biblical origins, associated with several biblical figures
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236votesAnother Hebrew name, Matthew means "gift of God." It has been a popular name for boys since the 1960s and was the second most popular boy name in the US in 1996.
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316votesA more modern name that has risen in popularity in recent years, Mason is of English origin and means "worker in stone." It has been in the top 10 boy names in the US since 2011.Mason is a popular baby name for boys in recent years. It has origins in both English and French languages. The name refers to a stoneworker or someone who works with stone. It carries connotations of strength, durability, and craftsmanship.
- Gender: Male
- Origin: English, French
- Meaning: Stoneworker, someone who works with stone
- Popularity: Consistently ranked among the top baby names for boys in recent years
- Strength: Associated with attributes like strength, durability, and resilience
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416votesShort for Maximilian, Maximus, or Maxwell, Max is a strong and simple name that is easy to remember. It has been in the top 100 boy names in the US since the 1990s.Max is a popular name for Beagles that reflects their strong and energetic nature. It signifies their confident and dominant personality traits. Beagles named Max are often known for their intelligence, loyalty, and playful nature, making them great companions and family pets.
- Origin: Unknown, attributed to various Beagle owners
- Meaning: Max represents strength, energy, and dominance
- Personality Traits: Intelligent, loyal, playful
- Popularity: High, one of the most popular Beagle names
- Suitability: Well-suited for energetic and confident Beagles
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519votesA timeless name that has been around for centuries, Mark is of Latin origin and means "warlike." It was a popular name in the 1960s and has remained in the top 200 boy names in the US since then.Mark is a traditional and widely used boy name that originates from the Latin Marcus. It carries the meaning of warlike or dedicated to Mars, the Roman god of war. Mark is a timeless name that has remained popular throughout generations.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Warlike or dedicated to Mars
- Popularity: Consistently popular over time
- Usage: Mainly used as a first name for boys
- Variant: Variations of the name include Marc and Markus
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66votesA name of English and Latin origin, Miles means "soldier or merciful." It has been gaining popularity in recent years and is now in the top 100 boy names in the US.Miles is a popular boy name of English origin. It has a strong and masculine sound, making it a favored choice for parents. The name Miles is derived from the Latin word 'miles,' which means soldier or merciful. It is associated with qualities such as courage, strength, and kindness.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Soldier or Merciful
- Gender: Male
- Popularity: Ranked 108th in the United States (2020)
- Famous Namesakes: Miles Davis (American jazz musician), Miles Teller (American actor)
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711votesA name of English and Scottish origin, Mitchell means "who is like God." It was a popular name in the 1970s and has remained in the top 500 boy names in the US since then.
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89votesA name of Latin origin, Marcus means "dedicated to Mars," the Roman god of war. It has been a popular name in the US since the 1970s and is still in the top 200 boy names.Marcus is a traditional and timeless boy name that originates from Ancient Rome. It is of Latin origin and means 'warlike'. Marcus is a name that exudes strength and resilience. It has been popular for centuries and continues to be a favored choice for parents around the world.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Warlike
- Popularity: Popular for centuries
- Timelessness: Timeless choice
- Strength: Exudes strength
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95votesA name of Latin origin, Martin means "of Mars," the Roman god of war. It has been a popular name in the US since the 1880s and is still in the top 500 boy names.Martin is a traditional and widely used boy name that originates from Latin. It is derived from the Roman name 'Martinus' which means 'of Mars', the Roman god of war. The name Martin has been popularized by various famous personalities and saints throughout history.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Of Mars
- Popularity: Widely used
- Famous Personalities: Martin Luther King Jr., Martin Scorsese, Martin Freeman
- Saints: St. Martin of Tours, St. Martin de Porres
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105votesA name of Spanish and Portuguese origin, Miguel means "who is like God." It has been a popular name in the US since the 1960s and is still in the top 200 boy names.Miguel is a popular boy name of Spanish and Portuguese origin. It is derived from the Hebrew name Michael, meaning 'Who is like God?'. Miguel is widely used across various cultures and has gained popularity due to its strong and masculine sound.
- Origin: Spanish, Portuguese
- Meaning: Who is like God?
- Popularity: High
- Gender: Male
- Strong and masculine: Yes
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular boy names
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Naming trendsUnderstand current naming trends, such as popular culture references, famous figures, or unique spellings/variations, which could influence the popularity of certain names.
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Cultural significanceNames that stem from important cultural, religious, or historical significance might always maintain steady popularity. Consider names with deep roots in particular communities or populations.
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Pronunciation and spellingA name's popularity can be influenced by its ease of pronunciation and spelling. Names that are difficult to spell or pronounce might be less popular compared to simpler, more straightforward names.
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Variation/UniquenessA unique or rare name might be more popular among parents looking for uncommon names, but this could ultimately make it less popular overall. Conversely, names with many variations or derivatives might be combined to count as one popular name.
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Multi-cultural appealNames that are popular across multiple cultures or languages might be considered more popular overall. These names often have universal appeal and are more accessible for people from diverse backgrounds.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular boy names that start with M. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Boy name is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2080 views
- 187 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Boy name once every 24 hours. The rank of each Boy name is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
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More information on most popular boy names that start with m
When it comes to naming a baby boy, parents often look for names that are unique, meaningful, and easy to pronounce. The letter M has been a popular choice among parents for decades. From traditional names like Michael and Matthew to modern monikers like Mason and Maverick, there are countless options to choose from.
According to the Social Security Administration, the most popular boy name starting with M in 2020 was Liam, followed by Mason and Mateo. However, there are many other M names that have also gained popularity in recent years, such as Miles, Max, and Micah.
The meaning behind a name can also play a significant role in the decision-making process. For example, the name Marcus means "warlike" and has roots in ancient Rome, while the name Malachi means "messenger of God" and has origins in Hebrew.
Whether you prefer classic or modern names, there is no shortage of options when it comes to boy names starting with M. Explore our collection of polls and rankings to discover even more popular and unique options.
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