How have African American baby naming trends changed over time?

Many African Americans adopted Biblical and European names like John, Mary, and David. But, with the rise of African American movements, like the Civil Rights Movement, the naming trends started shifting towards names inspired by leaders like Rosa and Martin. They also started giving names that celebrated African heritage, such as Quianna and Cleavon.

Can African American baby names be influenced by popular culture?

Yes. Many African American names are influenced by popular culture, including those from music, movies, television, and sports. Some examples include Zendaya, Keisha, LeBron, and Serena.

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34 African American Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With M

Written by Shikha Thakur, MBA Specialty: Relationships and Baby NamesExperience: 7 years

Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.

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Edited by Siddharth Kesiraju, MA, Certification in Relationship Coaching Specialty: Love, Marriage and RelationshipsExperience: 7 years

Siddharth holds a certification in Relationship Coaching and a masters degree in communication and journalism from the University of Hyderabad. He has around seven years of experience in various fields of writing and editing.

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Fact-checked by Praggya Joshi, MA, BEd Specialty: Child education & activitiesExperience: 2 years

Praggya Joshi holds a bachelor's degree in Education and a master's in Ancient Indian History from University of Delhi. She has a robust knowledge of literature, society, and ethics. Praggya has been a content writer since 2021, researching and writing on education, health and wellness, and travel.

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Last Updated on Oct 3, 2023

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Name	Gender	Meaning
Makai	Boy	Who is like God; Ocean
Makhi	Boy	Battle; Sea; Who is like God
Marquise	Boy	March; Borderland
Makiyah	Unisex	Who is like Yahweh
Miyah	Girl	Good mother; Foster mother; Dame; Illusion; Magic; Water; Mine
Markell	Boy	Mars; The god of war; Warlike; Male; Horse border; Wolf border
Maliya	Girl	A sea of rebelliousness; Wished for child; Beloved
Martez	Boy	The god of war; Mars; Dedicated to Mars; Warlike; Male
Monae	Unisex	Home; Rich protection
Malique	Boy	A king; A master

Marques	Boy	March; Borderland; Mars; The god of war; Warlike; Male;
Martell	Boy	Mallet; Hammer
Markayla	Girl	Who is like Yahweh
Marsai	Unisex	Spring; Further
Makia	Unisex	Who is like Yahweh
Martika	Girl	Lady; Mistress
Montel	Boy	Little mountain; Royal Mountain
Montell	Boy	Little mountain
Marque	Boy	March; Borderland
Montreal	Boy	Imperial mountain; Royal Mountain; Little Mountain

Malkia	Girl	Queen
Montero	Unisex	Hill or mountain dweller; Hunter; Assistant at a hunt
Myisha	Girl	Living; Alive
Mingo	Unisex	Of the Lord; An Iroquoian group of Native Americans; Stealthy
Miesha	Girl	Life; Strawberry; Gauze; Thin silk; Sand; Livelihood; Living
Myesha	Girl	Living; Alive
Maleka	Unisex	The lady; Mistress; Queen
Monay	Unisex	Rich protection; Descendant of the protector
Marquetta	Girl	Pearl; Noble title; Borderland; Related to Mars
Marquita	Girl	March; Borderland

Myiesha	Girl	Living; Alive
Micole	Girl	Who is like God; Brook
Marquisha	Girl	March; Borderland
Myeisha	Girl	Living; Alive

Infographic: Attractive African American Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With M

African American Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With M are significant and exquisite. They carry an inherent sense of charm that's almost impossible to ignore. Our infographic below shares several options that fit diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Explore the list and pick a name that resonates with you. Remember, your baby's name is integral to their identity, so choose a name that best complements their personality.

African American Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With M(infographic)

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.