Begin by selecting your preferred letter, ‘M,’ then include a significant surname to your child’s name.
Many individuals have particular preferences when it comes to choosing last names for their children; for instance, some may prefer last names that begin with the letter M. Last names became necessary when distinguishing individuals based on their first names became challenging. Surnames can provide insight into a person’s background as they often reflect religious beliefs, family vocations, cultural heritage, regional origins, professions, or geographical features. Typically, these baby names are inherited through successive generations. This post ‘Best last names that start with M’ presents a compilation of popular last names starting with the letter M from various countries worldwide. Keep reading to learn more.
Italian Last Names That Start With M
1. Macri
The name Macri, of Greek origin, is the noun form of the adjective ‘makròs,’ and it signifies a person who is large in size.
2. Macaluso
This Italian name with Arabic origins signifies freedom and independence.
3. Macchia
This term in Italian topography refers to dense vegetation or undergrowth.
4. Macina
This last name of Italian origin translates to grinder stone.
5. Maggio
The well-known Italian last name Maggio originates from the Italian word that represents the month of May.
6. Maiorani
The origins of this name can be traced back to Marogani, a French family that relocated to Italy during the 16th century.
7. Malatesta
Malatesta is formed by joining two words, with ‘Mala’ representing bad and ‘testa’ character. In Italian slang, it is used to describe a person who is obstinate.
8. Mammarella
Italians have close-knit family connections, and this last name originates from the term ‘mamma,’ which means mother. Carlo Mammarella is a renowned Italian soccer player.
9. Mancini
Mancini is a common Italian surname that originates from the word Mancino, which means left-handed in Italy.
10. Manzi
It is believed that Manzi is a reliable and trustworthy individual. The last name Manzi, with origins in Latin, comes from the personal name Mantius. It can also be traced back to the Italian term Manzo, which translates to ‘steer’. Manzi is a surname used for individuals who worked as steer raisers.
11. Mariani
Mariani is derived from the Latin nickname ‘Marianus’ and is the plural or patronymic form of Mariano.
12. Massarini
Massarini is an Italian last name that originates from the term ‘massaro’ and denotes someone who owns property.
13. Morgante
Morgante, a character in a poem-novel by Italian author Luigi Pulci, has origins in Old Italian. The name Morgante is derived from the character in the novel. In Old French, the term ‘Morgant’ is seen as an adjective describing someone as proud or scornful.
American Last Names That Start With M
14. Mabins
Mabins is a surname of English descent. It originates from the Welsh surname Mabon, which means ‘child’. It is also believed to be a variation of the Scottish surname Maben.
15. Macall
The last name McCall, which can also be spelled as McCall, has its roots in Scotland and Ireland and is derived from a Gaelic term meaning ‘the son of the battle chief.’ Carl McCall, a renowned American politician, was born in 1935.
16. MacNeil
MacNeil is a European surname that is derived from the personal name Niall, meaning champion.
17. Maddison
Mathieson is the origin of the surname Maddison, which has English origins and signifies the son of Matthew.
18. Malcolm
The surname Malcolm is an anglicized version of the Old Gaelic word ‘Mael Coluimb’, which originated in Europe.
19. Marshall
Marshall is a popular given name. This common surname with origins in Scotland and England dates back to the medieval period and signifies a male individual who is responsible for the welfare of horses.
20. Martin
Martin is a European name with roots that date back to the fourth century. The name became popular with the well-known saint Martin of Tours.
21. McDonald
McDonald is a common Scottish surname that comes from the Gaelic name Mac Dhamhnuill, which has been Anglicized.
22. Morgan
Morgan was the name given to the baby by her parents. Morgan originated as a surname in Old Welsh and is derived from the given name ‘Morcant.’
23. Murphy
A surname of Irish and Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic name ‘O’Murchadha.’ Murphy is a surname of European origin that means ‘descendant of Murchadh.
Scottish Last Names Starting With M
24. Maack
Derived from the name Mack, the last name Maack signifies ‘charming’ or ‘delightful’ in Scottish and denotes the ‘greatest’ in Latin.
25. Macmaster
Macmaster is a Scottish last name that signifies being the child of a master.
26. Maguire
Believed to have origins in Scotland and Ireland, this surname is a modified form of the Gaelic term ‘Mag Uidhir,’ which translates to ‘Odhar’s son.’ The name Maguire signifies ‘sallow.’
27. Macfee
The name Macfee originates from Scotland and signifies being attractive or delightful.
28. McAllister
McAllister is a last name that originates from Ireland and Scotland. It has origins in the Gaelic first name Mac Alasdair. This surname signifies the son of Alasdair.
29. McCartney
The surname McCartney originates from Northern Ireland and the Scottish Galloway. It is an Anglicized version of the Gaelic name Mac Artaine, which translates to ‘Artan’s son.’
30. McKenzie
The surname Mackenzie has its roots in Scotland and is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name Mac Coinnich, which means ‘son of Coinneach,’ a term used to describe a person who is attractive.
31. McPhail
The last name originating from Scotland continues to be widely used today. It is derived from the first name Paul.
32. Melvin
Melvin is a Scottish version of the names Melville or the French surname de Maleuin or Melwin. It is a modified form of a Gaelic term that translates to ‘gentle leader.’
33. Miller
The origin of the occupational name can be traced back to English and Scottish traditions. This name typically denotes a person who operates or manages a mill. It signifies someone who is involved in the daily operations of a mill.
34. Munroe
Munroe is a variation of the name Monroe and is a surname of Irish and Scottish origin. It comes from the Gaelic name Rothach, which means a person from River Roe.
35. Murray
One of the popular last names in Scotland, Murray signifies ‘towns by the sea.’
Spanish Last Names Starting With M
36. Madrigal
A short poem or song which is typically of a pastoral or amatory theme. The Spanish hereditary last name comes from the Late Latin term ‘matricale’ which means ‘matrix’ and can refer to a womb or a riverbed.
37. Maese
The name Maese is of Dutch origin and is formed from the Spanish term ‘maes,’ which originally meant a teacher or master.
38. Magallanes
Magallanes is a frequently used surname that originates from a Spanish village called Magaláns. This surname has its roots in the habitational name of the village Magaláns.
39. Majano
Majano is a term that refers to a pile of rocks typically used as a boundary marker. This Spanish word can also be a surname derived from a town named Majano in the province of Toledo.
40. Marco
This given name has been transformed into a well-known family name. It holds various interpretations, such as related to conflict, a protector, and a tool for pounding.
41. Medina
Medina is a surname of Spanish origin that is associated with several different locations. One of these places is the sacred city of Medina in Arabic culture. This surname is also common among Sephardic Jews.
42. Mesa
This particular surname of Spanish origin comes from the southern region of Spain. La Mesa, a city, derives its name from the Latin term mensa, which translates to ‘table-top’, referring to a geographical attribute.
43. Milian
The surname Milian is commonly used by people of Polish and Spanish descent. It originates from the Latin name Aemilianus or Roman aemulus, which translates to adversary or competitor.
44. Monroy
The Spanish surname of habitation indicates individuals originating from Monroy, a municipality situated in the province of Cáceres. Monroy translates to the ‘red mountain’.
45. Murga
Murga is a location in the province of Navarre, Spain. This name originates from the Romanian term Murgã and the Greek term Mourgas.
French Last Names Starting With M
46. Mabbit
Mabbit is a French term that signifies affectionate.
47. Mabee
Mabee comes from the French name Amable or Mable, which signifies a person who is loving or lovable.
48. Maben
The name is well-liked within the Celtic community and signifies ‘son of great.’
49. Macadam
Macadam is the son of Adam. Adam Macgregor, also known as Adam, is the grandson of Gregor Macgregor, who is the leader of the Gregor clan.
50. Mador
Commonly found among the French, the surname Mador or Madore is a condensed version of the name Amadour, which originates from the Latin term Amator, meaning a person who loves someone or something.
51. Marseille
The surname Marseille is derived from a person’s location or place of residence, and it is also the name of a city in France. Geographical or habitational surnames like Marseille are closely associated with where a person lives.
52. Martin
Martin is derived from the French Saint Martin of Tours and has been a common surname in France for almost a century, from 1891 to 1990.
53. Meaux
The French surname comes from Seine-et-Marne, which was named after the Gaulish tribe Meldi or potentially from a town in the Rhône known as Meaux-la-Montagne.
54. Melin
The French name Melin, which is often used as a nickname for the name Amelin, may also be a surname derived from locations in Côte d’Or and Haute-Saône that have roots in the word ‘mill’ or the Latin term ‘molinum’.
55. Michelin
Michelin is a well-known French last name. Hebrew literature states that the name Michael signifies someone who is Godly or resembling God.
56. Monet
Monet is a common French surname that is also used as a nickname for the name Simon. It may be a shorter version of any name that ends with ‘mon’, such as Aymon.
57. Moranville
Moranveille is a location in the Meuse region and this surname linked to a specific place originates from there. This French family name might also derive from combining the name Morand with the Latin term ‘villa’ which signifies estate.
58. Moris
Moris or Morris is a frequently used last name in English, Scottish, and Welsh cultures. The name has numerous counterparts in Dutch and German. In France, Moris is considered a variant of Maurice, with origins in the Latin term meaning ‘dark-skinned’.
Irish Last Names Starting With M
59. MacCarthy
The MacCarthy surname has its origins in Gaelic culture, with historical records linking it to a prominent Gaelic Irish ruling family from the Middle Ages. Florence MacCarthy gained fame as an Irish prince in the 16th century.
60. MacCleary
The French surname MacCleary has origins in the Gaelic term Mac Cléirigh, which means the son of a priest.
61. MacCoy
MacCoy is a French last name that has origins in Scottish, Irish, and Manx languages. This surname is also connected to Gaelic through its association with a Celtic deity named Mac Aodha, who was known as the ‘son of fire.’
62. Maccarone
Maccarone is a surname of Irish origin that traditionally denotes a family of pasta makers.
63. Mahony
The surname Mathghamhan comes from a prince’s son named Mathghamhan in the 10th century. It translates to ‘bear’ and is only found in West Munster.
64. Malone
Malone is an Irish last name that comes from the word Maoileoin, meaning ‘servant of St. John.’ Bernie Malone gained fame as a prominent female politician in the Irish Labour Party.
65. Marcott
Marcott is the French version of Marcotte. It is a surname that originates from a metronymic occupational background, meaning ‘someone who cultivates vines.’ The term ‘marcotte’ in Old French specifically refers to a layer created by a vine shoot.
66. Monaghan
Monaghan is a frequently occurring last name that starts with the letter ‘M’. It comes from the Irish word Manacháin, which translates to ‘monk.’
67. Mooney
Mooney is synonymous with wealthy. The origin of the word is from the Irish term Maonaigh, which also signifies an individual who is unable to communicate verbally.
68. Moriarty
The name Moriarty is derived from the Gaelic term Ó Muircheartaigh. This name consists of muir which means sea and ceadach which means skilled. Therefore, Moriarty translates to a person who is a proficient navigator.
69. Mulhall
The surname Mulhall suggests that the person is a descendant of Maolchathail, a follower of St. Cathal. It signifies someone who is dedicated to Saint Cathal.
Hispanic Last Names That Start With M
70. Martinez
Martinez is a last name derived from the Latin name Martinus, meaning ‘son of Martin,’ who is associated with the Roman god Mars, the deity of war and protection.
71. Morena
The word’s origin is uncertain, but it might have derived from the Late Latin term maurinus, which translates to ‘moor.’
72. Munoz
Munoz is a surname derived from a patronymic origin, signifying being the ‘son of Muño.’ It also translates as ‘hill.’ In the Hispanic community, Munoz ranks as the 40th most common surname.
73. Mendez
A Mendez is a descendant or son of Mendo or Mendel. The surname Menendo comes from the Visigothic name Hermenegildo, which means ‘complete sacrifice.’
74. Maldonado
The word ‘mal’ translates to bad. Maldonado is derived from the Spanish phrase ‘mal donado’, which signifies a lack of favor, improper bestowal, or misplacement.
75. Mejia
The last name, which has origins in Spain, can be traced back to the 1500s. It is derived from the Hebrew word messiah, a variation of the Latin term Messias.
76. Melendez
The last name of Spanish-Basque origin is frequently written as Melendez within the Puerto Rican population residing in the United States.
77. Meza
Meza is a surname that comes from old Spanish and is derived from a term meaning a flat surface like a tabletop or plateau.
78. Molina
Molina is a surname related to one’s occupation that has its roots in Spain. Its origin can be traced back to the Latin word for ‘mill’, which is derived from mola, a term meaning ‘millstone’ in Latin.
79. Mora
The surname has its origins in Ancient Roman-Latin and is commonly used in Portuguese and Spanish cultures as a nickname for Morales, Morais, or Maurier. ‘Mora’ translates to ‘blackberry’ and was originally thought to be a surname for individuals involved in cultivating blackberries as a profession.
German Last Names Starting With M
80. Maag
The last name Maag is of Dutch and German origin, derived from the Middle German word ‘Mac’ and the Middle Dutch term ‘Mage.’ It signifies a ‘kinsman’ or ‘relative’ in both languages.
81. Mais
Mais, derived from the German word Maiss, is a surname related to the topography, specifically signifying a ‘land clearing.’ This surname originally appeared in the Rhineland region. Additionally, Mais can also refer to the month of May, indicating that it may have been used by individuals born in May or who have an affinity for the spring season.
82. Maltsberger
The origin of this German surname is from a location called Maltsberg. Johann Maltsberger moved from Germany to TN in the early 19th century, helping to popularize the surname outside of his home country.
83. Markus
Markus is a last name originating from Latin, with various interpretations such as protector, fierce, and can also symbolize a hammer. Additionally, Markus can signify being a descendant of Mark, who is associated with Mars, the Roman deity of war.
84. Mauer
Mauer is a typical German surname that is a variation of Maurer. In German and Jewish literature, it is stated that Mauer signifies ‘wall.’ This surname may indicate a person who resided near a wall or was involved in the construction of walls.
85. Meinberg
The German surname Meinberg, which is associated with a place of the same name in Westphalia, is a Habitational surname.
86. Meyer
Meyer, also spelled as Meier, is a surname that originates from occupation. In the past, it denoted a manor landlord, but it eventually came to represent a farmer who worked for themselves.
87. Milch
The common surname in Germany is an occupational name that represents a milk seller. The surname comes from the medieval German term ‘milich’ which means milk.
88. Moser
Moser is a topographic name originating from South Germany, indicating someone who lived close to a peat bog. In North Germany, it is considered a metonymic occupational surname for a vegetable seller. Additionally, Moser may also be a habitation name derived from a location containing the term ‘mos.’
89. Müller/ Möller
The surname Müller is connected to the occupation of a miller or someone who works in a mill. It is the most frequently found German surname.
Greek Last Names Starting With M
90. Makris
Makris, a commonly used name in ancient Greece, is derived from the Greek word ‘makros,’ which translates to ‘tall’ or ‘long.’
91. Mallas
The surname Mallas, originating from Greece, translates to ‘trowel’ in English. It was used to identify individuals who worked as bricklayers professionally.
92. Mandrapilias
The last name Mandrapilias is frequently seen in the area of Sparta in Greece. It originates from a word that signifies a stone wall.
93. Manikas
Manikas is an occupational surname that comes from the Greek term ‘maniki’, which means sleeve or handle. It is used for individuals who specialize in crafting handles.
94. Markopoulos
This Greek surname, derived from the name ‘Markus’, translates to ‘son of Mark’ and dates back to ancient times. It signifies being blessed by the War-God Mars.
95. Mavros
The Greek surname Mavros signifies an individual with a dark or ‘black’ skin tone. This descriptive last name is commonly used as a prefix for first names.
96. Matraxia
Matraxia is a well-known Sicilian last name that originates from Greek roots. It is believed to be a geographical reference to Mathraki, an island inhabited by the Dorians who later settled in Magna Graecia.
97. Metaxas
Metaxas is a Greek surname that begins with the letter ‘M’ and is derived from the Greek word metaxi, which can mean ‘silk’ or a person who deals with silk.
98. Mikos
This Greek surname is thought to be a shortened version of Demetrios. It is the Greek version of Nicholas. Greeks believe that Mikos is a descendant of Michos or Michael, whom they revere as a deity.
99. Moralis
The Greek surname Moralis originates from the Spanish surname ‘Morales.’ It is derived from the Spanish term ‘moreras,’ which means ‘mulberry trees.’
Polish Last Names Beginning With M
100. Macak
The Polish surname Macak is derived from the given name Maciej, which is the Polish version of Mathew. Mathew, originating from Hebrew, means a gift from God.
101. Mace
This last name of Polish origin translates to ‘saltwater bitterness.’
102. Maleski
This last name of Polish origin indicates individuals who come from locations such as Malesze in the Białystok region or Malesin in the Skierniewice region.
103. Mazurek
Mazurek is a common surname in Poland with origins in both Polish and Ukrainian cultures. The name is derived from the given name Mazur, which translates to ‘rustic.’ It specifically refers to individuals from the Masovia or Mazowsze province, which now includes modern Masuria.
104. Mieczysław
Mieczysław is a modern variation of the traditional Polish last name Miecisław, which originated from mietać. This word translates to ‘to throw.’
105. Mielcarek
The typical Polish surname originates from the Polish word mielcarz, meaning ‘maltster.’ It is similar to the Jewish and German surname Meltzer, which also refers to someone who brews malts.
106. Mieszko
Mieszko is a well-known historical last name associated with the initial monarch of Poland. Despite its decreasing popularity, it is frequently utilized as a first name. The family name is thought to be linked to the name Miecisław.
107. Miroslaw
Miroslaw, as a Polish family name, is one of the oldest. It is derived from two common Slavic name elements in the Polish language. The reconstructed meaning of Miroslaw is related to the concepts of worshiping peace and achieving fame through establishing peace and order.
108. Mleczko
The Polish surname Mleczko is derived from the word ‘mleko’ which means ‘milk’ and it is an occupational surname that indicates a person who worked as a milkman.
109. Mosakowski
Mosakowski is a surname that indicates someone from a town called Mosaki in Ciechanów voivodeship. The name is derived from the given name Mosak, which is a common nickname for names starting with Mo.
110. Motyka
Motyka is a common last name in Poland, Slovakia, and Ukraine. It translates to ‘hoe’ in English and is often associated with someone who goes on random pursuits. One well-known individual with this surname is the Polish historian Grzegorz Motyka, who was born in 1967.
Portuguese Last Names Starting With M
111. Machado
Machado, a surname of Spanish and Portuguese descent, translates to ‘hatchet’ or ‘axe.’ Its origins trace back to the 2nd Century in Europe and is widely present in Spain, Portugal, Latin America, Brazil, and some regions of India as a result of Portuguese influence.
112. Mascarenhas
Mascarenhas is a well-known last name that originates from the town of Mascarenhas in Mirandela, Portugal. It is a habitational family name. Pedro Mascarenhas, a celebrated Portuguese colonial official and navigator, was associated with this surname.
113. Matos
This surname, sometimes spelled as Mattos or with the prefix de Matos, is well-known in Portuguese and Sephardic cultures. In Croatian, Matoš is a commonly seen surname. The name is associated with the region of Lamego in Portugal. In Hebrew, the term is translated as ‘tribe’ or ‘wooden sticks.’
114. Mello
This Portuguese surname, which originates from Italy, is well-known in Brazil as well. A notable individual with this surname is the Portuguese writer Dom Francisco Manuel de Mello.
115. Mesquita
Mesquita is a surname of Galician and Portuguese origin, which translates to ‘mosque.’ One famous individual with this last name is the Portuguese writer Raul Mesquita.
116. Miranda
Miranda is a surname that means ‘admirable’ in various countries, including Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Italy, as well as in languages like Sephardic Jewish and Maltese.
117. Modesto
The last name Modesto, which comes from Latin Europe, is frequently seen in Spain, Portugal, and Italy. It signifies humble, modest, or virtuous.
118. Moleiro
This last name is linked to a person who works as a miller. Moleiro is a surname of Galician and Portuguese descent that is well-liked.
119. Mota
Mota is a last name of Portuguese and Spanish descent that is related to the topography. It signifies an individual who lived in close proximity to a castle that was fortified.
120. Munhoz
According to the Portuguese language, the last name Munhoz has its origins in Spanish and is a variation of the Spanish word Munhoz.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing a baby name for a child is a significant event for parents. Many parents select names for their babies that are connected to their family background, heritage, or ancestry. If you are interested in finding a surname beginning with the letter M, you can find a list here. The list includes surnames from different countries and their definitions. Names like Milch, Mace, and Matos might catch your attention. Are you ready to take a look?
