What customs and traditions are associated with English baby names?

English naming customs typically involve three elements - a given name, a middle name (s), and a family name. The British follow a patrilineal naming system where the child inherits their fathers family name. However, following the patrilineal naming system is not mandatory. Instead, parents have the freedom to choose their childs last name. Some parents could also give their child the mothers last name. In contrast, others may provide both mother and father surnames in a hyphenated form, reflecting the flexibility in English naming traditions and customs.

How do English baby names reflect a person's heritage?

English naming conventions are diverse, encompassing people from different religions, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds. Many parents may opt for names that mirror their ethnic and cultural connections. For example, parents of Irish heritage may choose titles like Liam. On the other hand, those of Greek origin might opt for names like Sophia or Alexander. Parents may also pick names that reflect their regional heritage. For example, Devon and Kent are names inspired by specific regions or places within England. Furthermore, many families pass down names from one generation to another or choose monikers inspired by literary and historical figures.

Home • Baby Names

39 English Baby Names with Meanings Dark, Starting With M

Written by Shikha Thakur, MBA

Edited by Siddharth Kesiraju, MA, Certification in Relationship Coaching

Fact-checked by Praggya Joshi, MA, BEd

Last Updated on Oct 3, 2023

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Name	Gender	Meaning
Milani	Girl	Middle of the plain; Black; Dark
Melany	Girl	Black; Dark
Meilani	Girl	Heavenly flower; Dark; Heavenly May
Melani	Girl	Dark; Black
Maleni	Unisex	Dark; Black; Sky; Heaven
Morris	Boy	Dark-skinned; North African; Moorish; Dark; Swarthy
Milania-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide	Girl	Gracious; Dear; Middle of the plain; Dark; Black
Mahogany	Girl	Dark Red Wood
Mindy	Girl	Black; Dark; Bee; Sweet as honey; Honey
Malaina-Baby-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-&-Insights	Unisex	Black; Dark

Melly-Name-Meaning:-Key-Insights-Into-Its-Origin-&-Popularity	Girl	Black, Dark
Melayna	Girl	Black; Dark
Milayna-Baby-Name-Guide:-Popularity,-Pronunciation-&-More	Girl	Black; Dark
Mellany	Girl	Black; Dark
Melanin	Unisex	Black; Dark; A type of biomolecule
Merick	Boy	A dark-skinned person; A swarthy; A moor
Mory	Boy	Mulberry tree; Dark-skinned
Moris-Name-Complete-Guide:-Meaning,-Pronunciation-&-Popularity	Boy	Dark-skinned; Moorish
Mella-Baby-Name:-A-Comprehensive-Guide	Unisex	Dark; Vigorous; Brave; Bee; Mild; Pleasant
Malania	Girl	Black; Dark

Merriam	Unisex	Beloved; Sea of bitterness; Dark; Moorish
Maurie	Unisex	Dark-skinned; Moorish; Star of the sea; Beloved
Mindi	Girl	Black; Dark; Bee; Sweet as honey; Honey
Morrisa	Girl	A dark-colored girl
Morissa	Girl	A female with a dark complexion
Melantha	Girl	Dark or black flower; Bee
Moore	Boy	Someone from open land or bog; North African; Someone with a dark complexion
Morie	Boy	Swarthy; Dark-skinned; Protect; Obey; Blessing; Favor
Maurica	Boy	Dark-skinned
Mavra	Boy	Moorish; Dark; North African

Mel	Unisex	Honey; Black or dark; Brave
Melusina	Girl	Melodious; Pleasant; Dusky or dark
Morison	Boy	A dark-skinned person; One who works in open lands
Morkere	Boy	One who is dark in complexion
Morly	Boy	A person with a dark skin
Morrisey	Boy	A dark-colored person from the unfertile land
Mouric	Boy	A tanned person with dark complexion
Mourici	Girl	A dark-skinned person
Madara	Unisex	Cleavers; Bedstraw; Dark spot

Infographic: Top English Baby Names with Meanings Dark, Starting With M

Our infographic below features options from timeless classics to contemporary favorites that complement your child's personality. Scroll through the list to find the perfect name that reflects your preferences and your family's shared values.

English Baby Names with Meanings Dark, Starting With M(infographic)

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Author Editor Fact Checker

Shikha ThakurMBA

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.

Read full bio of Shikha Thakur

Siddharth KesirajuMA, Certification in Relationship Coaching

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.

Read full bio of Siddharth Kesiraju

Praggya JoshiMA, BEd

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.

Read full bio of Praggya Joshi