Editing Neutral names starting with M

{{RandomName|letter=m}}
{{#section:Names|NamesSideList}}
An alphabetical list of '''neutral names starting with M''', continued from the [[names]] page, which see for more information. These are neutral-gender names, otherwise known as unisex names. They are equally appropriate for girls, boys, and people of any gender. [[Nonbinary]] people don't have to have neutral names, and many [[notable nonbinary people]] have names that are usually either masculine or feminine. Neutral names can help make it safer for people to explore their gender expressions. In English-speaking countries, some of the most familiar gender-neutral names starting with M include Merle and Morgan. However, there are many more unisex names from around the world that start with M, more than 50 of them, as listed below. Previous page: [[neutral names starting with L]]. Next page: [[neutral names starting with N]].

== The list ==
'''Maacah''' (מַעֲכָה). Hebrew. Meaning "To press, to squeeze" and "Oppression." In the Hebrew Bible, this name is used for men and women: a son of Nahor, and one of King David's wives. Variants: '''Maachah''', '''Maakah.'''<ref name="20knames3">http://www.20000-names.com/androgynous_names_unisex_names_03.htm [https://web.archive.org/web/20230220215427/http://20000-names.com/androgynous_names_unisex_names_03.htm Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref><ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/maachah [https://web.archive.org/web/20230320040831/https://www.behindthename.com/name/maachah Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> In the USA, Social Security Administration (SSA) data shows fewer than 10 people with the name Maachah.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MA/MAACHAH/index.html</ref> Keywords: Biblical, extraordinary, gothic, political, two syllables

'''Maayan''' (מַעֲיָן). Hebrew. Meaning "Spring of water." In the USA, about 98 people have this given name, used as a feminine name about 99% of the time. However, in Israel, it is feminine about 75% of the time. <ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/maayan [https://web.archive.org/web/20230327151442/https://www.behindthename.com/name/maayan Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref><ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MA/MAAYAN/index.html</ref> Keywords: elements, feminine inclined, nature, places, two syllables, very rare, water

'''Machlah''' (מַחְלָה). Hebrew. Possibly meaning "Weak, sick," or "disease." In the Hebrew Bible, this name is used for men and women, including a Gileadite (whose gender isn't known), and one of Zelophehad's daughters. Variants: '''Maala''' (Μααλα, Greek and Latin Bible), '''Mahala''' (US SSA data shows it 100% used for girls), '''Mahalah''' (in the US, 100% feminine), '''Mahlah''' (in the US, 100% feminine), '''Mahalia''' (in the US, 100% feminine).<ref name="20knames3" /><ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/machlah [https://web.archive.org/web/20230213081017/https://www.behindthename.com/name/machlah Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref><ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/mahlah [https://web.archive.org/web/20230213081049/https://www.behindthename.com/name/mahlah Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref><ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/maala [https://web.archive.org/web/20230325025453/https://www.behindthename.com/name/maala Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref><ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MA/MAHALA/index.html [https://web.archive.org/web/20160402055529/http://www.mynamestats.com:80/First-Names/M/MA/MAHALA/index.html Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref><ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MA/MAHALAH/index.html</ref><ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MA/MAHLAH/index.html</ref><ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MA/MAHALIA/index.html [https://web.archive.org/web/20161028105816/http://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MA/MAHALIA/index.html Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Keywords: Biblical, extraordinary, feminine inclined, gothic, two syllables

'''Magic'''. American English. Modern. Meaning "Supernatural; the art of causing supernatural effects" in English. Made popular because of the athlete Earvin "Magic" Johnson.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/magic/submitted [https://web.archive.org/web/20230308025632/https://www.behindthename.com/name/magic/submitted Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> US SSA data shows about 230 people with this name, used as a masculine name 82% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MA/MAGIC/index.html</ref> Keywords: magical, masculine inclined, mystical, two syllables, very rare

'''Mahari'''. African, Yoruba. Meaning "One who forgives" in Yoruba.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/mahari/submitted [https://web.archive.org/web/20210925073036/https://www.behindthename.com/name/mahari/submitted Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> US SSA data shows about 277 people with this name, used as a feminine name 51% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MA/MAHARI/index.html</ref> Keywords: three syllables, neutral inclined, very rare, virtue

'''Maitland'''. English. From an English surname, from a Norman French place name. Possibly meaning "Inhospitable." US SSA data shows about 200 people with this name, used as a masculine name 66% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MA/MAITLAND/index.html</ref> Keywords: gothic, neutral inclined, two syllables, very rare

'''Makani'''. Hawaiian. Meaning "wind" or "ghost" in Hawaiian.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/makani/submitted [https://web.archive.org/web/20160531141145/http://www.behindthename.com:80/name/makani/submitted Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> US SSA data shows about 206 people with this name, used as a masculine name 83% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MA/MAKANI/index.html</ref> Keywords: air, masculine inclined, three syllables, very rare

'''Makoto''' (まこと). Japanese. Gender neutral. Meaning "Trust" (信), "True" (真), "Truth, sincerity" (誠), "Fruit," (実) or other meanings, depending on how it is written in ''kanji'' characters with the same pronunciation.<ref> http://japanesenameguide.blogspot.com/2009/12/makoto.html [https://web.archive.org/web/20180902202544/http://japanesenameguide.blogspot.com/2009/12/makoto.html Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Keywords: three syllables, virtue

[[File:Mal_Blum_June_2015.JPG|thumb|Musician [[Mal Blum]] in 2015.]]
'''Mal'''. English. Short form of names such as Mallory, Malcolm, Maldwyn, and other names with this sound.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/mal/submitted [https://web.archive.org/web/20230117194803/https://www.behindthename.com/name/mal/submitted Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> The English masculine name Malcolm meant "Disciple of Saint Columba, who converted Scotland to Christianity" in Scottish Gaelic. A historical Scottish King Malcolm featured in Shakespeare's tragic play ''Macbeth''.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/malcolm [https://web.archive.org/web/20230213075622/https://www.behindthename.com/name/malcolm Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> The English feminine name Mallory meant "unfortunate" in Norman French.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/mallory [https://web.archive.org/web/20230213081932/https://www.behindthename.com/name/mallory Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> The Welsh masculine name Maldwyn was a form of the ancient Germanic masculine name Baldwin, meaning "Bold friend."<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/maldwyn [https://web.archive.org/web/20220925114106/https://www.behindthename.com/name/maldwyn Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref><ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/baldwin [https://web.archive.org/web/20230329172154/https://www.behindthename.com/name/baldwin Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Keywords: Christian, courage, friendship, gothic, luck, one syllable, saints. Notable nonbinary people with this name include [[Mal Blum]].  [[Nonbinary characters in fiction]] bearing this name include Mal Copol in the book ''Only See You'', by J.D. Chambers.

'''Mandeep''' (ਮਨਦੀਪ). Indian, Sikh. Gender neutral. The meaning comes from ''manas'' "mind, intellect, spirit" and ''dipa'' "lamp, light" in Sanskrit.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/mandeep [https://web.archive.org/web/20210418175245/https://www.behindthename.com/name/mandeep Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> US SSA data shows about 402 people with this name, used as a masculine name 61% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MA/MANDEEP/index.html</ref> Keywords: light, neutral inclined, two syllables, very rare

'''Manpreet''' (ਮਨਪ੍ਰੀਤ). Indian, Sikh. Gender neutral. The meaning comes from ''manas'' "mind, intellect, spirit" and ''priti'' "pleasure, joy, love."<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/manpreet [https://web.archive.org/web/20230324095043/https://www.behindthename.com/name/manpreet Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> US SSA data shows about 533 people with this name, used as a feminine name 64% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MA/MANPREET/index.html</ref> Keywords: affection, emotion, happiness, love, neutral inclined, rare.

[[File:Mar Hicks at Data & Society Research Institute.jpg|thumb|[[Mar Hicks]] giving a talk in 2017.]]
'''Mar'''. Spanish and Portuguese word meaning "sea". Can also be a shortening of names such as Marie, Marius, Marco, etc. US SSA data shows about 556 people with this name, used as a feminine name 74% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MA/MAR/index.html</ref> Notable nonbinary people with this name include historian [[Mar Hicks]]. Keywords: ocean, one syllable, sea, rare, water.

'''Marijn'''. Dutch. Derived from the masculine name Marinus, which in turn comes from the Latin ''marinus'', meaning "marine; of the sea." According to the Meertens Institute, in the Netherlands, as of 2014, 0.0951% of the total population had this name, with it being used as a masculine name 78.7% of the time and as a feminine name 21.3% of the time.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/marijn [https://web.archive.org/web/20230329130036/https://www.behindthename.com/name/marijn Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref><ref>https://www.meertens.knaw.nl/nvb/naam/is/marijn [https://web.archive.org/web/20201020032045/https://www.meertens.knaw.nl/nvb/naam/is/Marijn Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Keywords: masculine inclined, sea, uncommon, water.

'''Marin'''. French, Romanian, Croatian, Serbian, Bulgarian and Macedonian. In Croatia and France, this is a masculine name, but in the Netherlands and the US, it is more often feminine. From the Dutch masculine name Marinus, from the ancient Roman family name Marinus. Meaning "Of the sea" in Latin.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/marin [https://web.archive.org/web/20230627062629/https://www.behindthename.com/name/marin Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref><ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/marinus [https://web.archive.org/web/20230213080851/https://www.behindthename.com/name/marinus Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> US SSA data shows about 5,138 people with this name, used as a feminine name 85% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MA/MARIN/index.html [https://web.archive.org/web/20170505045930/http://www.mynamestats.com:80/First-Names/M/MA/MARIN/index.html Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Keywords: feminine inclined, sea, two syllables, uncommon, water.

'''Marion'''. English and French. From the French surname Marion, from the medieval French feminine nickname Marion, from the French feminine name Marie, a form of the feminine name Mary.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/marion-1 [https://web.archive.org/web/20230601032233/https://www.behindthename.com/name/marion-1 Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref><ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/marion-2 [https://web.archive.org/web/20230213092118/https://www.behindthename.com/name/marion-2 Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref><ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/marie [https://web.archive.org/web/20230404062231/http://www.behindthename.com/name/marie Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Ultimately from the Biblical Hebrew feminine name Miryam (מִרְיָם). The original meaning of Miryam is uncertain, traditionally thought to mean "Sea of bitterness," or "Wished for child." The Hebrew name may have been related to an ancient Egyptian name M-R-Y, meaning "Beloved."<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/mary [https://web.archive.org/web/20230318052536/https://www.behindthename.com/name/mary Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> US SSA data shows about 96,564 people named Marion, used as a feminine name 72% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MA/MARION/index.html [https://web.archive.org/web/20230131232541/https://mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MA/MARION/index.html Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> In many other countries, Marion is strictly a feminine name. The popularity of Marion as a gender neutral name in the US peaked during the 1890s to 1930s.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/marion-2 [https://web.archive.org/web/20230213092118/https://www.behindthename.com/name/marion-2 Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Keywords: Biblical, common, Edwardian era, three syllables. The name  Marion was originally considered a masculine name with French origins<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nameberry.com/|title=Marion: Name Meaning, Popularity, and Similar Names|website=Nameberry|language=en-US|access-date=2021-03-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308010621/https://nameberry.com/|archive-date=17 July 2023}}</ref>. Most notably is the actor John Wayne (popular for starring in many old Western movies, a "heartthrob"), whose birth name was Marion Robert Morrison.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.biography.com/actor/john-wayne|title=John Wayne|website=Biography|language=en-us|access-date=2021-03-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528080841/https://www.biography.com/actor/john-wayne|archive-date=17 July 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Wayne|title=John Wayne {{!}} Biography, Movies, & Facts|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en|access-date=2021-03-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328190821/https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Wayne|archive-date=17 July 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000078/|title=John Wayne|website=IMDb|access-date=2021-03-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230702220316/https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000078/|archive-date=17 July 2023}}</ref> "Marian"/"Marianne" was considered the inherently feminine spelling and "Marion" was considered the inherently masculine based either in folk etymology or common misconception. It was common for immigrants named "Maria" to change their name to the Americanized "Mary-Anne"/"Mary"/"Marian" - thus immigrants by the name of "Mario" took on the Americanized spelling "Marion".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.babynamewizard.com/baby-name/girl/marion|title=Marion Name Meaning & Origin|website=Baby Name Wizard|language=en|access-date=2021-03-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920052500/https://www.babynamewizard.com/baby-name/girl/marion|archive-date=17 July 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/namenerds/comments/7j5kn9/marian_or_marion/|title=r/namenerds - Marian or Marion?|website=reddit|language=en-US|access-date=2021-03-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610013159/https://www.reddit.com/r/namenerds/comments/7j5kn9/marian_or_marion/|archive-date=17 July 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.babycenter.com/baby-names-marion-484575.htm|title=Marion - Boy's name meaning, origin, and popularity|website=BabyCenter|language=en|access-date=2021-03-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127051844/https://www.babycenter.com/baby-names-marion-484575.htm|archive-date=17 July 2023}}</ref> Today there is still confusion about whether or not the swapped vowels are indicative of specific genders, leading the "o" form to be decidedly unisex.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=2021-03-11|title=Marion (given name)|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Marion_(given_name)&oldid=1011546976|journal=Wikipedia|language=en|archive-url=False|archive-date=17 July 2023}}</ref>

'''Marley'''. English. From a surname, from a place name. Meaning "Pleasant forest," "Boundary forest," or "Marten forest" in Old English.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/marley [https://web.archive.org/web/20230606184243/https://www.behindthename.com/name/marley Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> US SSA data shows about 19,598 people with this name, used as a feminine name 86% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MA/MAR/index.html</ref> The variant ''Marly'' is 99% feminine.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MA/MARLY/index.html</ref> Keywords: common, feminine inclined, forest, nature, plants, wood. Notable nonbinary characters in fiction with this name include a main character in the young adult apocalyptic novel ''The End'' by Nora Olsen.

'''Marlowe'''. English. From the surname, from the place name. Meaning "Remnants of a lake" in Old English.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/marlow/submitted [https://web.archive.org/web/20230528172558/https://www.behindthename.com/name/marlow/submitted Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> US SSA data shows About 1,879 people are named Marlowe, used as a masculine 53% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MA/MARLOWE/index.html</ref> About 1,707 people are named the variant spelling '''Marlow''', used as a masculine name 78% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MA/MARLOW/index.html [https://web.archive.org/web/20170618190008/http://www.mynamestats.com:80/First-Names/M/MA/MARLOW/index.html Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>  Keywords: neutral inclined, two syllables, uncommon, water

'''Marquette'''. French. A form of Marquis, meaning "Land owner" in French.<ref>https://www.babynames.com/name/Marquette [https://web.archive.org/web/20170331063937/http://www.babynames.com:80/name/marquette Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> US SSA data shows about 1,794 people with this name, used as a masculine name 63% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MA/MARQUETTE/index.html [https://web.archive.org/web/20170711104045/http://www.mynamestats.com:80/First-Names/M/MA/MARQUETTE/index.html Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Keywords: neutral inclined, uncommon

'''Marvel'''. African American English. Meaning "A wonder" in English.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/marvel/submitted [https://web.archive.org/web/20220516150159/https://www.behindthename.com/name/marvel/submitted Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> US SSA data shows about 2,437 people with this name, used as a feminine name 81% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MA/MARVEL/index.html</ref> Keywords: feminine inclined, magic, mysterious, mystical, two syllables, uncommon

'''Maryland'''. African American English. After the place in the US.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/maryland/submitted</ref> US SSA data shows about 699 people with this name, used as a feminine name 77% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MA/MARYLAND/index.html</ref> Keywords: rare, travel, three syllables

'''Masami''' (まさみ). Japanese. Meaning depends on ''kanji'' spelling.<ref> http://japanesenameguide.blogspot.com/2009/12/masami.html [https://web.archive.org/web/20180902202540/http://japanesenameguide.blogspot.com/2009/12/masami.html Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Keywords: three syllables

'''Massey'''. English. From the English surname Massey, the name of several towns in France.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/massey/submitted</ref> US SSA data shows about 57 people with this name, used as a masculine name 65% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MA/MASSEY/index.html</ref> Keywords: extraordinary, neutral inclined, two syllables.

'''Mateja'''. 1. Slovene, Croatian. A feminine form of the Slovak masculine name Matej, which is a form of the masculine name Matthew.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/mateja-1 [https://web.archive.org/web/20230303230749/https://www.behindthename.com/name/mateja-1 Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> 2. Serbian. A masculine form of the Slovene, Croatian, and Serbian neutral name Matija, which is also a form of the masculine name Matthew.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/matija [https://web.archive.org/web/20230606003501/https://www.behindthename.com/name/matija Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Matthew originally came from the Hebrew name Mattityahu (מַתִּתְיָהוּ), meaning "Gift of the God Yahweh."<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/matthew [https://web.archive.org/web/20230706022705/https://www.behindthename.com/name/matthew Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> US SSA data shows about 85 people named Mateja, used as a feminine name 73% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MA/MATEJA/index.html</ref> Keywords: extraordinary, three syllables

'''Max'''. Catalan, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, German, Norwegian, Russian, and Swedish. A short form of names starting with Max, such as Maxwell, Maximilian, Maxine, and Maxim.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/max [https://web.archive.org/web/20230522144955/https://www.behindthename.com/name/max Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> US SSA data shows about 95,311 people with this name, used as a masculine name 100% of the time,<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MA/MAX/index.html [https://web.archive.org/web/20230127105447/https://mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MA/MAX/index.html Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> but there would be many more people who go by it for short, not shown on official records. Keywords: common, masculine inclined, one syllable. In the off-Broadway play ''Hir'', there is a [[genderqueer]] character by this name.<ref name="Scheck">{{Cite web |title='Hir': Theater Review |last=Scheck |first=Frank |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=11 August 2015 |access-date=2 May 2020 |url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/taylor-macs-hir-theater-review-838231|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809121625/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/taylor-macs-hir-theater-review-838231 |archive-date=17 July 2023 }} '''Note: Article misgenders character.''' </ref> 

'''McKinley'''. English. In the US, this was a masculine name during the 1890s to 1960s, and then reappeared as a feminine name in the 2000s. From the surname. Meaning "Son of Fionnlagh."<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/mckinley [https://web.archive.org/web/20221006031815/https://www.behindthename.com/name/mckinley Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> US SSA data shows about 10,888 people with this name, used as a masculine name 55% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MA/MARLOW/index.html [https://web.archive.org/web/20170618190008/http://www.mynamestats.com:80/First-Names/M/MA/MARLOW/index.html Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Keywords: common, neutral inclined, three syllables

'''Mel'''. English. Short form of names such as Melvin, Melanie, Melissa, and other names starting with Mel.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/mel [https://web.archive.org/web/20230213074956/https://www.behindthename.com/name/mel Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> US SSA data shows about 2,985 people with this name, used as a masculine name 91% of the time,<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/ME/MEL/index.html [https://web.archive.org/web/20180118220330/http://www.mynamestats.com:80/First-Names/M/ME/MEL/index.html Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> but there would be many more people who go by it for short, not shown on official records. Notable nonbinary people with this name include [[Mel Baggs]]. Keywords: masculine inclined, one syllable, uncommon

'''Memphis'''. English. From the place name in the US, from the place name in ancient Egypt, from the Greek form of an ancient Egyptian word meaning "Enduring beauty."<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/memphis [https://web.archive.org/web/20230213073751/https://www.behindthename.com/name/memphis Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> US SSA data shows about 4,077 people with this name, used as a masculine name 82% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/ME/MEMPHIS/index.html</ref> Keywords: appearance, beauty, feminine inclined, travel, two syllables, uncommon

'''Merit'''. 1. English. Meaning "Virtue" in English.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/merit-1 [https://web.archive.org/web/20230213073910/https://www.behindthename.com/name/merit-1 Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> 2. Estonian and Swedish. A variant of the names Maret or Marit, which are forms of the name Margaret. Meaning "Pearl" in Latin and Greek.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/merit-2 [https://web.archive.org/web/20230605172501/https://www.behindthename.com/name/merit-2 Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref><ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/margaret [https://web.archive.org/web/20230213074624/https://www.behindthename.com/name/margaret Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> US SSA data shows about 154 people with this name, used as a feminine name 71% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/ME/MERIT/index.html</ref> Keywords: treasure, two syllables, very rare, virtue

'''Merle'''. English. As a neutral name in the US, this name's popularity peaked from the 1880s to the 1940s. From the English masculine or neutral name Merrill, and the feminine English, French, and Irish name Muriel. Merrill and Muriel both come from the Irish feminine name Muirgel, meaning "Bright sea" in Irish.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/merle [https://web.archive.org/web/20230605063314/https://www.behindthename.com/name/merle Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref><ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/muirgel [https://web.archive.org/web/20230423042319/https://www.behindthename.com/name/muirgel Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Merle also means "blackbird" in French.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/merle [https://web.archive.org/web/20230605063314/https://www.behindthename.com/name/merle Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> US SSA data shows about 17,160 people with this name, used as a masculine name 69% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/ME/MERLE/index.html [https://web.archive.org/web/20180223102556/http://www.mynamestats.com:80/First-Names/M/ME/MERLE/index.html Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Keywords: air, birds, common, Edwardian era, one syllable, Victorian era, water

'''Merlyn'''. English. A neutral variant of the English masculine name Merlin, from the Welsh name Myrddin, meaning "Sea fortress." Merlin was a wizard in the Arthurian legends. The name may have been influenced by the Welsh word ''merlyn'', meaning "Pony."<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/merlin [https://web.archive.org/web/20230519183701/https://www.behindthename.com/name/merlin Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> US SSA data shows about 2,417 people with this name, used as a masculine name 67% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/ME/MERLYN/index.html</ref> Keywords: animals, magical, mystical, neutral inclined, two syllables, uncommon

'''Merrill'''. English. From the English surname, and then from the Irish feminine name Muirgel, meaning "Bright sea" in Irish, or perhaps from place names meaning "Pleasant hill."<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/merrill [https://web.archive.org/web/20230213075741/https://www.behindthename.com/name/merrill Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> US SSA data shows about 7,023 people with this name, used as a masculine name 84% of the time,<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/ME/MERRILL/index.html [https://web.archive.org/web/20170618181108/http://www.mynamestats.com:80/First-Names/M/ME/MERRILL/index.html Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Keywords: masculine inclined, two syllables, uncommon, water

'''Merritt'''. English. From an English surname, from a place name. Meaning "Boundary gate" in Old English.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/merritt [https://web.archive.org/web/20230213073909/https://www.behindthename.com/name/merritt Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> US SSA data shows about 3,778 people with this name, used as a masculine name 76% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/ME/MERRITT/index.html</ref> Keywords: rebirth, travel, two syllables, uncommon

'''Micah''' (מִיכָה). Biblical Hebrew. Traditionally a masculine name, but since the 1980s, it has started to be feminine as well. In English, Micah or the variant '''Mica''' is also a short form of the feminine name Michaela or masculine name Michael.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/mica [https://web.archive.org/web/20230320091603/https://www.behindthename.com/name/mica Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> The Biblical Micah as well as Michael ultimately comes from the Biblical Hebrew name Mikha'el (מִיכָאֵל), meaning "Who is like God?" The implied answer of this question is that there is no other being like God. Michael is an important angel in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/michael [https://web.archive.org/web/20230629172330/https://www.behindthename.com/name/michael Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> These religions all traditionally believe that angels are neither male nor female, because they are not mortals. Micah was also a prophet who wrote one of the books of the Hebrew Bible. Other Biblical figures named Micah include a man in the Book of Judges.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/micah [https://web.archive.org/web/20230702070405/https://www.behindthename.com/name/micah Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Micah was a popular Puritan name. Unrelatedly, mica is the English word for a type of crystalline mineral valued for its transparent, sparkly qualities. The mineral is used in construction and electronics, and also to make cosmetics shimmer. US SSA data shows about 83,959 people named Micah, used as a masculine name 87% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MI/MICAH/index.html [https://web.archive.org/web/20161002233622/http://www.mynamestats.com:80/First-Names/M/MI/MICAH/index.html Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> SSA data shows about 3,107 people named Mica, used as a feminine name 79% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MI/MICA/index.html</ref> Keywords: angels, Biblical, common, two syllables. Notable nonbinary people with this name include [[Micah Bazant]] and [[Micah Visser]]. 

'''Michaiah''' (מִיכָיָהוּ). Hebrew. A neutral form of the masculine name Michael. Michael comes from the Biblical Hebrew name Mikha'el (מִיכָאֵל), meaning "Who is like God?"<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/michaiah [https://web.archive.org/web/20221110000331/https://www.behindthename.com/name/michaiah Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref><ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/michael [https://web.archive.org/web/20230629172330/https://www.behindthename.com/name/michael Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> US SSA data shows about 423 people with this name, used as a feminine name 81% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MI/MICHAIAH/index.html</ref> Keywords: feminine inclined, three syllables, very rare

'''Mickey'''. English. A diminutive, neutral form of the masculine name Michael, or the feminine name Michelle.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/mickey [https://web.archive.org/web/20230323194716/https://www.behindthename.com/name/mickey Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Michelle is also derived from Michael.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/michelle [https://web.archive.org/web/20230409064300/https://www.behindthename.com/name/michelle Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref><ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/michel [https://web.archive.org/web/20230213074305/https://www.behindthename.com/name/michel Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Michael comes from the Biblical Hebrew name Mikha'el (מִיכָאֵל), meaning "Who is like God?"<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/michael [https://web.archive.org/web/20230629172330/https://www.behindthename.com/name/michael Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> US SSA data shows about 25,586 people named Mickey, used as a masculine name 79% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MI/MICKEY/index.html [https://web.archive.org/web/20230130055016/https://mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MI/MICKEY/index.html Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>  For the variant '''Micky''', SSA data shows about 2,669 people, used as a masculine name 80% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MI/MICKY/index.html</ref> For the variant '''Mickie''', SSA data shows about 3,412 people, used as a feminine name 86% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MI/MICKIE/index.html [https://web.archive.org/web/20160428182141/http://www.mynamestats.com:80/First-Names/M/MI/MICKIE/index.html Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Keywords: Biblical, common, cute, light-hearted, two syllables

'''Mika'''. This name is masculine in some cultures, and feminine in others. 1. Finnish. A masculine name. A short form of the masculine name Mikael, which is a Finnish form of the name Michael.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/mika-1 [https://web.archive.org/web/20230325082142/https://www.behindthename.com/name/mika-1 Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Michael comes from the Biblical Hebrew name Mikha'el (מִיכָאֵל), meaning "Who is like God?"<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/michael [https://web.archive.org/web/20230629172330/https://www.behindthename.com/name/michael Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> 2. (みか). Japanese. A feminine name. Meaning depends on the choice of ''kanji'' characters with the same pronunciation. Some options include "beautiful fragrance" (美香 ), among others.<ref>https://japanesenameguide.blogspot.com/2009/12/mika.html</ref><ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/mika-2 [https://web.archive.org/web/20230213080850/https://www.behindthename.com/name/mika-2 Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> US SSA data shows about 5,522 people named Mika, used as a feminine name 85% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MI/MIKA/index.html</ref> Keywords: beauty, Biblical, two syllables

'''Milan'''. 1. Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Macedonian, Russian, Slovak, and Slovene. Traditionally masculine. Meaning "Gracious, dear," in Slavic languages. 2. From the name of the city in Italy.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/milan [https://web.archive.org/web/20230528115841/https://www.behindthename.com/name/milan Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> US SSA data shows about 9,913 people with the given name Milan, used as a masculine name 60% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MI/MILAN/index.html [https://web.archive.org/web/20170429170334/http://www.mynamestats.com:80/First-Names/M/MI/MILAN/index.html Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> For the variant '''Mylan''', SSA data shows about 938 people, used as masculine 72% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MY/MYLAN/index.html</ref> Keywords: neutral inclined, travel, two syllables, uncommon

'''Min'''. Chinese. Meaning depends on the characters with similar pronunciations chosen to write it. Some options for meanings include "quick, clever, sharp" (敏 Mǐn), or "people, citizens" (民 Mín).<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/min [https://web.archive.org/web/20230604100946/https://www.behindthename.com/name/min Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> US SSA data shows about 588 people with this name, used as a masculine name 61% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MI/MIN/index.html [https://web.archive.org/web/20211204201901/https://mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MI/MIN/index.html Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Keywords: intelligence, neutral inclined, one syllable 

'''Ming'''. Chinese. Meaning depends on the characters with similar pronunciations chosen to write it. Some options for meanings include "bright, light, clear" (明 Míng), or "inscribe, engrave" (铭 Míng).<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/ming [https://web.archive.org/web/20230204022425/https://www.behindthename.com/name/ming Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> US SSA data shows about 434 people with this name, used as a masculine name 65% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MI/MING/index.html [https://web.archive.org/web/20211027215143/https://mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MI/MING/index.html Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Keywords: light, one syllable

'''Mischa'''. Dutch, German, and English. Gender neutral. From the Russian masculine name Misha (Миша), which is a diminutive of the Russian masculine name Mikhail, which is a form of the name Michael.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/mischa/submitted [https://web.archive.org/web/20230130072005/https://www.behindthename.com/name/mischa/submitted Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref><ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/misha [https://web.archive.org/web/20230531035027/https://www.behindthename.com/name/misha Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref><ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/mikhail [https://web.archive.org/web/20230213074513/https://www.behindthename.com/name/mikhail Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>. Michael comes from the Biblical Hebrew name Mikha'el (מִיכָאֵל), meaning "Who is like God?"<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/michael [https://web.archive.org/web/20230629172330/https://www.behindthename.com/name/michael Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> US SSA data shows about 1,453 people with this name, used as a feminine name 88% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MI/MISCHA/index.html [https://web.archive.org/web/20171112193516/http://www.mynamestats.com:80/First-Names/M/MI/MISCHA/index.html Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Keywords: Biblical, feminine inclined, two syllables, uncommon

'''Mo'''. English. A gender neutral short form of many masculine, feminine, and neutral names starting with this sound. This includes Maureen, Maurice, Molly, Morris, and so on.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/mo [https://web.archive.org/web/20230603172700/https://www.behindthename.com/name/mo Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Molly and Maureen are both forms of the feminine name Mary, which comes from the Biblical Hebrew feminine name Miryam (מִרְיָם). Miryam have originally had meanings such as "Sea of bitterness," "Wished for child," or "Beloved."<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/maureen [https://web.archive.org/web/20230602231029/https://www.behindthename.com/name/maureen Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref><ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/mary [https://web.archive.org/web/20230318052536/https://www.behindthename.com/name/mary Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Maurice and Morris are both English masculine forms of the Roman masculine name Maurus, meaning "Moorish, dark-skinned."<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/maurice [https://web.archive.org/web/20230213074958/https://www.behindthename.com/name/maurice Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref><ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/maurus [https://web.archive.org/web/20230708090631/https://www.behindthename.com/name/maurus Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Keywords: appearance, cute, one syllable

'''Mohana'''. Hindu. Meaning "bewitching, infatuating, charming" in Sanskrit. This is a transcription of both the masculine form मोहन (an epithet of the Hindu gods Shiva, Krishna and Kama) and the feminine form मोहना.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/mohana [https://web.archive.org/web/20230213075813/https://www.behindthename.com/name/mohana Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Keywords: beauty, three syllables

'''Montana'''. American English. This became a gender neutral given name in the 1990s. From the name of the place in the US. Meaning "Mountainous" in Latin.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/montana [https://web.archive.org/web/20230213083110/https://www.behindthename.com/name/montana Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> US SSA data shows about 9,589 people with this name, used as a feminine name 73% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MO/MONTANA/index.html</ref> Keywords: light-hearted, travel, three syllables, uncommon

'''Moon'''. English. Meaning "The moon" in English.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/moon/submitted [https://web.archive.org/web/20210926033049/https://www.behindthename.com/name/moon/submitted Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> US SSA data shows about 83 people with this name, used as a feminine name 80% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MO/MOON/index.html</ref> Keywords: extraordinary, feminine inclined, moon, mystical, nature, night, sky

'''Mor''' (מוֹר). Hebrew. Meaning "myrrh" in Hebrew.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/mor [https://web.archive.org/web/20230213082138/https://www.behindthename.com/name/mor Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> US SSA data shows about 16 people with this name, used as a feminine name 82% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MO/MOR/index.html [https://web.archive.org/web/20170906235739/http://www.mynamestats.com:80/First-Names/M/MO/MOR/index.html Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Keywords: extraordinary, feminine inclined, one syllable

'''Morgan'''. English, French, and Welsh. Traditionally masculine, this name became popularly gender neutral in the 1970s. From the Old Welsh masculine name Morcant. Possibly meaning "Sea circle" in Welsh.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/morgan-1 [https://web.archive.org/web/20230528101257/https://www.behindthename.com/name/morgan-1 Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> US SSA data shows about 235,038 people with this name, used as a feminine name 84% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MO/MORGAN/index.html [https://web.archive.org/web/20230127010932/https://mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MO/MORGAN/index.html Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Keywords: feminine inclined, mystical, two syllables, very common

'''Murphy.''' English. From an Irish surname, anglicized from Ó Murchadha. Meaning "Descendant of Murchadh" in Irish.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/murphy [https://web.archive.org/web/20230325205734/https://www.behindthename.com/name/murphy Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Murchadh means "Sea warrior" in Irish Gaelic.<ref>https://www.behindthename.com/name/murchadh [https://web.archive.org/web/20230213083158/https://www.behindthename.com/name/murchadh Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> A widely familiar adage called [[Wikipedia:Murphy's Law|Murphy's Law]] says, "Anything that can go wrong, will." There is no clear association between this adage and any one person named Murphy, so it was attributed to Murphy by mistake. US SSA data shows about 4,537 people with this name, used as a masculine name 87% of the time.<ref>https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MU/MURPHY/index.html [https://web.archive.org/web/20210923054200/https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/M/MU/MURPHY/index.html Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Keywords: battle, gothic, luck, masculine inclined, two syllables, uncommon, water

== See also ==
* [[Names]]

== References ==
<references />

[[Category:Neutral names]]
[[de:namen#m]]