Some names stand the test of time. One of the most notable mainstays on the list of the most popular boy baby names held the top spot for 44 years. Can you guess which one? Here’s a hint: It’s a boy name that starts with “M.” If you guessed Michael, you’re correct. From 1954 to 1998, Michael was the most popular boys’ name in the United States, finally usurped by Jacob in 1999. But Michael isn’t the only “M” name for boys with staying power. Matthew has stayed on the top baby name list for years, while Mateo is a newer favorite among parents, making the top 10 in 2023.
If you’re searching for a meaningful name for a new baby boy, “M” names are a great place to start. Whether you want your little guy to have a warrior spirit, be a strong leader, or have a strong spiritual self, “M” names are ones to consider. Keep scrolling for popular, unique, timeless, and modern boy names that start with “M.”
Most popular boy names that start with “M”
The following “M” names for boys all fall within the top 100 most popular boy names in the United States, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Mateo
A top 20 baby name for the past five years, Mateo was the seventh most popular boy name last year. Of Spanish origin, Mateo means “gift from God.”
Michael
A longstanding top name for boys, Michael was the #1 most popular boy name from 1954 to 1999. Like Mateo, Michael means “gift from God” or “he who is like God.”
Matthew
While Matthew never cracked the top spot, this “M” name for boys hit peak popularity in the mid-1990s. Not surprisingly, given Matthew’s ties to the Bible, the name with Hebrew origins also means “gift from God.” This “M” boys’ name is also sometimes spelled with one “t”: Mathew.
Maverick
This name sounds unique but is becoming more and more common. The Tom Cruise movie Top Gun: Maverick likely propelled this cool boy name to its current spot at number 36 on the SSA’s list of the most popular boy names. Perfect for a little rebel, Maverick has American origins, meaning an “independent-minded person.”
Miles
Miles is of Latin origin and means “soldier” and “gracious.” It’s a name that exudes both strength and understanding. The alternate spelling Myles is also common.
Mason
This occupational English surname means “stone worker” or “bricklayer.” So giving a little guy this moniker could set them up as a hard worker ready to put in the effort.
Micah
Micah is the fourth name on this list with a meaning of “who is like God.” But the name is a little less common than those with the same meaning—Mateo, Matthew, and Michael. Micah comes in at number 86 on the SSA list.
Unique names that start with “M” for boys
In addition to the most popular “M” names for boys, some names that fit today’s baby naming trends include old-fashioned boy names, surname baby names, and Italian baby names. Check out these more unique names that start with “M” for boys to consider for your little guy:
Mack
Mack (also spelled Mac) is following the 100-year rule for baby names, meaning it was popular in the early 1900s and is starting to climb again. Still barely in the top 500 most popular boy names, Mack would be considered a unique boy name that starts with “M.”
Maddox
Angelina Jolie may be solely responsible for the rise in this “M” name’s popularity. The actress adopted her first son, Maddox, in 2002, and this cool boy’s name popped on the SSA list the following year and has stayed there ever since.
Magnus
Another celebrity may have helped bring this name meaning “strong” and “mighty” into consideration for modern parents. Magnus is the name of Will Ferrell and Viveca Paulin’s oldest son, who was born in 2004. But Magnus didn’t pop on the 1000 most popular boy names until 2013.
Malik
Meaning “king” in Arabic, naming a baby boy Malik could be manifesting a leader.
Marco
A strong alternative to the super popular “M” name Mateo, Marco is Italian for “Mark” and means “warlike.”
Marshall
A popular name in the 1940s, this surname baby name means “caretaker of horses.”
Mccoy
A unique surname baby name perfect for a fiery little guy. Mccoy has Irish and Scottish roots and comes from the Gaelic name meaning “fire.”
Memphis
City-inspired baby names are growing in popularity as well. So you might consider this name if this Tennessee town has a special connection to your family—or you just like the name. Memphis also has a dignified meaning: established and beautiful.
Miller
Last names as first names tend to be some of the coolest picks these days. Miller is a fairly common surname but is still pretty unique as a first name. It also started as an occupational title meaning “one who grinds grain.”
Milo
A strong pick for a little boy, Milo is of German origin and means “soldier.” Gen Xers also might have a soft spot for this name thanks to the 1980s movie, The Adventures of Milo and Otis. While millennials will understand why Milo reentered the list of the most popular baby names starting in 2001: Gilmore Girls actor Milo Ventimiglia.
Musa
A name with origins in Arabic and Hebrew, Musa means “drawn out of the water,” which can be symbolic in more ways than one.
More boy names that start with “M”
Here, find over 50 more boys’ names that start with “M” to consider for your new little man.
- Madden
- Major
- Makai
- Makari
- Malachi/Malakai
- Malcolm
- Manuel
- Marcel
- Marcellus
- Marcelo
- Marcos
- Marcus
- Mario
- Mark
- Marlow
- Martin
- Marvin
- Massimo
- Matheo
- Mathias/Matthias
- Matias
- Matteo
- Maurice
- Mauricio
- Max
- Maximilian
- Maximiliano
- Maximo
- Maximus
- Maxwell
- Mayer
- Meir
- Melvin
- Messiah
- Merritt
- Miguel
- Milan
- Misael
- Mitchell
- Mohamed/Mohammad/Mohammed
- Moises
- Montana
- Montgomery
- Mordechai
- Morgan
- Morris
- Moses
- Moshe
- Muhammad
- Murphy
- Mustafa
Kathy Sisson, Senior Editor
Kathy Sisson has been a key contributor in the editorial parenting space for eight years, not only as a full-time editor at The Everymom but previously as a freelance writer for top parenting sites, including Scary Mommy, Motherly, Parent Co., and more. As an editor at The Everymom, she has produced hundreds of articles on a range of parenting topics, reviewed dozens of family-focused products, interviewed leading experts in the children and parenting world, and created viral parenting social media content. A mom of two, she is committed to sharing the honest, helpful, and often humorous stories of motherhood.
