Girl Names
Beautiful, strong, and distinctive names for your daughter. Dive into the meaning, origin, and history behind each one.
Madeline
“Woman from Magdala”
From the French Madeleine, meaning woman from Magdala, a town on the Sea of Galilee. It has a refined, literary quality and appears in Keats's famous poem. Elegant and timeless.
Madhavi
“Spring season, sweet as honey”
Madhavi is derived from the Sanskrit word 'madhava', meaning spring, honey, or sweet like nectar. It is associated with the season of spring and the flowering creeper madhavi, symbolising beauty, freshness, and sweetness.
Madhuri
“Sweet, honey-like”
Madhuri comes from the Sanskrit root madhura, meaning sweet, honeyed, or pleasant. It describes a quality of gentle charm and natural sweetness of character, as well as the literal sweetness of honey. In Indian classical tradition, madhura is one of the nine rasas, or aesthetic flavours, in poetry and music, representing the quality of sweetness and romantic beauty. The name thus carries both a personal and an artistic resonance.
Madiha
“Praiseworthy; worthy of commendation”
Madiha is an Arabic feminine name meaning 'praiseworthy' or 'one who is worthy of praise,' derived from the root 'madaha,' meaning to praise or commend. It shares the same Arabic root as the word 'madh,' meaning praise or eulogy.
Madrigal
“Musical art form, lyrical beauty”
Madrigal is a rare and striking name that carries an air of artistic elegance and cultural depth. It suits a child with a creative spirit, conjuring imagery of Renaissance music and poetic expression. Though uncommon as a given name, it has gained attention through popular culture and feels both fantastical and grounded.
Mae
“Spring renewal and blossoming life”
Mae is a sweet, vintage name that has enjoyed a strong revival in recent decades, appreciated for its simplicity and timeless charm. It projects a warm, approachable personality with an old-fashioned elegance that feels both classic and fresh. Mae works beautifully as both a given name and a middle name, pairing well with longer first names.
Maedhbh
“She who intoxicates”
Maedhbh is an alternative traditional spelling of the ancient Irish name also rendered as Meadhbh or anglicised as Maeve, meaning she who intoxicates or she who causes great joy. All forms reference the legendary warrior queen of Connacht from the Ulster Cycle, one of the most powerful female figures in Irish mythology. The spelling preserves the older Gaelic orthography, honouring the name's deep roots.
Maelle
“Princess, chieftess”
Maelle is a Breton name derived from the Old Celtic element mael, meaning chief, prince, or leader. The feminine form Maelle thus carries the meaning of princess or chieftess. It is the feminine counterpart of the Breton name Mael and has become one of the most popular Breton names in France, beloved for its melodic sound and its connection to Celtic heritage.
Maelys
“Princess, chief”
Maelys is a Breton name derived from the Old Breton element 'mael', meaning prince, chief, or lord. The suffix 'ys' gives the name a feminine and melodic quality. Related to the Breton and Welsh word for prince used in names such as Mael and Maelgwn, the name carries connotations of nobility and leadership. Maelys has become one of the most fashionable girls' names in France and French-speaking Belgium, prized for its Celtic roots, musical sound, and feminine elegance.
Maeva
“Welcome, she who is welcomed”
Maeva is a name of Polynesian origin that was adopted and popularized in the French-speaking world through France's territories in the Pacific, particularly French Polynesia. In the Tahitian and Polynesian languages, maeva means welcome or she who is welcomed. The name carries a warm, inviting spirit and has been embraced in metropolitan France as an exotic yet accessible choice.
Maeve
“She who intoxicates”
Maeve means 'she who intoxicates' or 'the cause of great joy,' derived from the Old Irish 'Medb.' It is the name of one of the most powerful and fascinating figures in Irish mythology, Queen Medb of Connacht.
Magdalena
“From Magdala”
Magdalena derives from the Hebrew place name Magdala, meaning tower or elevated place, referring to a town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. The name is most directly associated with Mary Magdalene, one of the most significant figures in the Christian Gospels, who was among the closest followers of Jesus and is named in all four Gospels as the first witness to the Resurrection. Venerated as a saint across Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant traditions, Mary Magdalene gave the name Magdalene and its variants a widespread distribution across the Christian world. In its Spanish form, Magdalena has a fullness and warmth that makes it particularly appealing, and it carries both deep spiritual weight and considerable European elegance.
Magdalini
“Woman from Magdala”
Magdalini is the distinctively Greek form of Magdalene, a name that identifies its bearer by her place of origin: Magdala, a town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel. The town's name likely derives from the Aramaic migdal, meaning tower. Magdalini thus carries the layered meaning of a towering presence in faith, as well as the enduring association with Mary Magdalene, one of the most significant women in the New Testament narrative.
Magnbjorg
“Great protection or powerful refuge”
Magnbjorg is a feminine Old Norse compound name formed from 'magn' (great, powerful, mighty) and 'bjorg' (protection, refuge, salvation). The name envisions a woman as a source of great and powerful protection, a mighty refuge for those in her care. It belongs to the productive tradition of '-bjorg' feminine names in Old Norse.
Magnhild
“Mighty battle”
Magnhild derives from the Old Norse elements 'magn', meaning might or great strength, and 'hildr', meaning battle. It was a prestigious Viking-age name for women of high standing, reflecting the Norse respect for female strength and courage. The name carries tremendous feminine power and dignity, connecting its bearer to a tradition of formidable Norse women. Far from being simply martial, the combination suggests a woman of inner fortitude and commanding presence.
Magnolia
“Dignified natural beauty and perseverance”
Magnolia is a grand, botanical name that evokes the lush beauty of Southern American landscapes and the enduring strength of a tree that has existed since before bees evolved. It carries a Southern charm and an air of graceful confidence, suiting a child with a strong yet gentle presence. The name has experienced a notable rise in popularity, boosted by home design culture and celebrity baby name trends.
Maha
“Wild cow, beautiful eyes”
Maha is an Arabic name that literally refers to the Arabian oryx (a type of wild cow), celebrated in classical Arabic poetry as the ultimate symbol of beauty because of its large, luminous eyes. The name is a poetic compliment, praising striking and expressive eyes. It carries an elegance and depth rooted in centuries of literary tradition.
Mahalat
“Lyre, dance, or forgiveness”
Mahalat is an ancient Hebrew name of uncertain but debated etymology, possibly meaning 'lyre,' 'dance,' or 'sickness/forgiveness.' It appears in the Bible as the name of a daughter of Ishmael who became a wife of Esau, and also as a musical term in Psalm headings.
Mahaut
“Mighty in battle, powerful warrior”
Mahaut is the medieval Old French form of Mathilde, derived from the Germanic elements 'maht,' meaning might or strength, and 'hild,' meaning battle. It was a common name among medieval French noblewomen and queens. The spelling 'Mahaut' marks it as an authentic medieval French variant rather than the modern Mathilde.
Mahi
“Great, earth”
Mahi is a Sanskrit-rooted name meaning the great one or the earth. In Sanskrit, 'mahi' refers to the earth as something vast, grand, and sustaining, encompassing all life. The name is therefore a tribute to the world itself, suggesting a child who is grounded, nourishing, and of great significance. It is also occasionally associated with the river Mahi in western India, adding a sense of flowing strength and natural vitality to its meaning.
Mahira
“Skilled, talented, highly capable”
Mahira is derived from the Arabic and Sanskrit traditions meaning 'skilled,' 'talented,' or 'highly capable.' In the Hindi-speaking world it is used to describe a woman of great ability, dexterity, and competence.
Mai
“Dance or linen”
Mai is a Japanese given name most commonly written with the kanji for dance, evoking the graceful, disciplined art forms of traditional Japanese performance. It can also be written with characters meaning linen, brightness, or jasmine depending on the family's choice. The name has a serene, artistic quality and is well established in Japan while being easy to use internationally.
Maia
“Mother, nurse”
In Greek mythology, Maia was the eldest and most beautiful of the seven Pleiades, the daughters of the Titan Atlas and the ocean nymph Pleione. She was the mother of Hermes, the messenger god, conceived with Zeus in a cave on Mount Cyllene. The name is thought to derive from a root meaning mother or nurse, reflecting her nurturing role. The month of May takes its name from Maia, as the Romans honoured her with sacrifices on the first day of that month.
Maialen
“Mary Magdalene, of the tower”
Maialen is the Basque form of Magdalena, derived from the Hebrew Migdal-El meaning 'tower of God.' It refers most directly to Mary Magdalene, one of the most important figures in the New Testament, who came from Magdala, a town on the Sea of Galilee. The name carries deep spiritual resonance and is considered one of the most distinctly Basque feminine names.
Maike
“Beloved pearl”
Maike is a Frisian diminutive form derived from either Maria or Margarete. From Maria it inherits the meaning of beloved or wished-for child, while from Margarete it connects to the Greek word margarites, meaning pearl. The Frisian-speaking communities of northern Germany and the Netherlands developed this distinctive form, and it has remained most popular in the coastal Low German and Frisian regions. Its crisp, two-syllable structure gives it a bright, friendly character.
Maiko
“Dancing child”
Maiko is composed of the Japanese characters for dance (mai) and child (ko), and is also the specific title given to apprentice geisha in Kyoto, a tradition of extraordinary cultural refinement. As a personal name it evokes grace, artistic dedication and the beauty of movement. The name is steeped in the performing arts of Japan and carries associations of patient mastery and elegance. It is a name that bridges personal identity with a rich cultural institution that has shaped Japanese aesthetics for centuries.
Mair
“Mary”
Mair is the Welsh form of Mary, one of the most significant names in the Christian tradition worldwide. Mary itself derives from the Hebrew Miriam, whose meaning is debated but often given as sea of bitterness, beloved, or wished-for child. In Wales, Mair has been used for centuries as the vernacular form of the Virgin Mary's name and carries the same deep religious reverence as Mary does across other Christian cultures. Short, strong, and unmistakably Welsh, it is a name that spans all generations and social contexts within Wales.
Mairead
“Pearl”
Mairead is the Scottish Gaelic form of Margaret, tracing its meaning back to the ancient Greek margarites, meaning pearl. The pearl was one of the most prized gems of the ancient world, a symbol of purity, wisdom, and great value found in unexpected places. Mairead carries all the grace and rarity of that image, a name of quiet beauty with deep historical roots.
Mairi
“Bitter, beloved”
Mairi is the standard Scottish Gaelic form of Mary, carrying the same ancient meanings of bitterness or belovedness attributed to the Hebrew name Miriam. Unlike the anglicised Mary, Mairi preserves the Gaelic linguistic tradition and connects the bearer directly to Scotland's rich cultural heritage. It is a name that feels both timeless and distinctly Scottish, with a gentle, melodic quality that has endeared it to generations of Gaelic-speaking families.
Máirín
“Little Mary, beloved”
Máirín is an Irish diminutive of Máire, the Irish form of Mary, itself derived from the Hebrew 'Miriam', whose meaning is debated but often interpreted as beloved, wished-for child, or sea of bitterness. The diminutive suffix '-ín' adds a sense of smallness and affection, making Máirín effectively 'little Mary' or 'dear Mary'. The name is tender and lyrical, evoking both Marian devotion and the warmth of Irish affectionate naming.
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