Last Names Starting with M: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you looking for a unique and meaningful last name that starts with the letter M? Look no further! This list compiles a wide array of M-starting last names, offering a diverse range of origins, meanings, and cultural significance. From classic surnames like Miller and Moore to rarer options like Mallory and Maxwell, this comprehensive guide empowers you to find the perfect name that resonates with your heritage or personal preferences.
1. **Mable:** Meaning "high," "strong," or "defensible." This name originates from the German word "Mabel," which is derived from the Latin word "mabellus."
2. **MacAllister:** Meaning "son of the strong, powerful, and brave." A Scottish surname, it is a combination of "Mac" (son of) and "Alasdair" (meaning "defender of mankind").
3. **MacArthur:** Meaning "son of Arthur," a popular name in Celtic mythology. It's a Scottish surname that reflects the ancestral ties to the legendary King Arthur.
4. **MacDonald:** Meaning "son of Donald." This common Scottish surname holds historical significance and is often associated with clan loyalty and ancestry.
5. **MacGregor:** Meaning "son of Gregor." Another prevalent Scottish surname, MacGregor represents a clan known for its independence and resilience.
6. **Mackenzie:** Meaning "son of Kenneth." This Scottish surname signifies a lineage connected to the prominent Kenneth clan, known for their leadership and influence.
7. **Madison:** Meaning "son of Matthew." This name has English origins and signifies a connection to the biblical figure Matthew, known for his wisdom and teachings.
8. **Mahoney:** Meaning "son of the bald one." This Irish surname refers to individuals with a distinguishing feature - baldness.
9. **Mallory:** Meaning "hammer." This surname has French origins and is linked to the medieval weapon known as a "malleus" or hammer.
10. **Manning:** Meaning "son of Mann." This English surname denotes a connection to the Germanic name "Mann," which translates to "man" or "human."
11. **March:** Meaning "border" or "frontier." This name, of English origin, symbolizes a location near a boundary or a geographical border.
12. **Marquis:** Meaning "noble" or "high-ranking." This surname has French roots and signifies a connection to the noble title of marquis or marquess.
13. **Marshall:** Meaning "horse keeper" or "caretaker of horses." An English surname, Marshall reflects the historical role of managing horses for nobles or knights.
14. **Martin:** Meaning "war god." This Latin surname, derived from the Roman god Mars, holds a strong, powerful connotation.
15. **Mason:** Meaning "stone cutter" or "builder." A common English surname, Mason represents the traditional craft of stonework and construction.
16. **Matthews:** Meaning "gift of the Lord." This English surname derives from the biblical name Matthew, which signifies a divine blessing.
17. **Maxwell:** Meaning "a place where the water meets the river." This Scottish surname references a specific location where two waterways converged.
18. **May:** Meaning "a beautiful flower" or "a meadow." This English surname carries a connotation of beauty, freshness, and nature.
19. **McBride:** Meaning "son of Brian." This Irish surname reflects the connection to the prominent Brian clan, known for its contributions to Irish history.
20. **McCoy:** Meaning "son of the red-haired one." An Irish surname, McCoy refers to individuals with distinctive red hair.
21. **McDaniel:** Meaning "son of Daniel." This Irish surname signifies a connection to the biblical figure Daniel, known for his wisdom and faith.
22. **McGee:** Meaning "son of the young one." An Irish surname, McGee refers to the offspring of a younger individual.
23. **McIntyre:** Meaning "son of the carpenter." This Scottish surname reflects the ancestral trade of woodworking and carpentry.
24. **McKinley:** Meaning "son of the king." This Scottish surname denotes a lineage connected to a powerful and influential royal figure.
25. **McKnight:** Meaning "son of the knight." This Scottish surname reflects the historical association with chivalry and knighthood.
26. **McLean:** Meaning "son of John." This Scottish surname represents a lineage connected to the common and significant name "John."
27. **McMahon:** Meaning "son of the heir." An Irish surname, McMahon signifies a connection to a lineage with a right to inheritance.
28. **McMurphy:** Meaning "son of Murchadh." An Irish surname, McMurphy refers to individuals with ancestry tied to the Murchadh clan.
29. **Mendoza:** Meaning "mountain of gold." This surname has Spanish origins and signifies a connection to a location abundant in gold.
30. **Mercer:** Meaning "merchant" or "trader." This English surname reflects the historical role of engaging in commerce and exchanging goods.
31. **Meredith:** Meaning "great protector." This surname has Welsh origins and signifies a strong and protective character.
32. **Miller:** Meaning "one who grinds grain." This English surname reflects the traditional occupation of milling flour from wheat.
33. **Mitchell:** Meaning "son of Michael." This surname has English origins and signifies a connection to the biblical figure Michael, known for his strength and courage.
34. **Moore:** Meaning "moor" or "swamp." An English surname, Moore represents a location near a boggy or marshy area.
35. **Morgan:** Meaning "sea warrior." This Welsh surname reflects a lineage connected to maritime warfare and seafaring.
36. **Morris:** Meaning "dark-skinned" or "Moorish." This surname has Welsh origins and signifies a connection to the Moorish people of North Africa.
37. **Morrison:** Meaning "son of Maurice." This Scottish surname represents a lineage connected to the Maurice clan, known for its contributions to Scottish history.
38. **Morrow:** Meaning "morning." This surname has English origins and signifies a connection to the time of dawn.
39. **Murphy:** Meaning "sea warrior." This Irish surname is linked to the Gaelic word "Murchadh," which means "sea warrior."
40. **Murray:** Meaning "sea warrior." This Scottish surname, also linked to "Murchadh," reflects a heritage connected to maritime warfare.