Marshmallows, marvelous, meaningful, and mournful: the common thread among these things is that they all start with the letter ‘M’. But where does ‘M’ come from? As the 13th letter in the English alphabet and an important one, ‘M’ is related to the Semitic mem and the Greek mu. Some experts believe that the Semitic form of the letter may have originated from an early sign used in communication that represented waves on water. Not all countries on Earth that start with ‘M’ are located near large bodies of water, but some are. Let’s take a look at each country’s name and a brief history.

Macedonia: The name Macedonia comes from the Greek word “Makedones,” meaning “the highlanders” or “the tall ones.” It was once part of Yugoslavia and chose its name when it gained independence in 1991. In 2019, it changed its name to the Republic of North Macedonia, ending a long-standing dispute with Greece and paving the way for NATO membership.

Madagascar: The origin of Madagascar’s name is a mystery. Some believe it comes from King Idrisi of Sicily’s map, which included an island called Gesira al malai. Over time, the name morphed into Madagascar. The island went through several colonial reigns before gaining independence in 1968.

Malawi: The name Malawi means “fire flames” and refers to the sun rising over Lake Malawi. It dates back to the Kingdom of Maravi in the 15th century. Malawi was a British colony until it gained independence in 1963 and remains part of the British Commonwealth.

Malaysia: Malaysia was formerly known as “Malaya” until it gained additional states in 1963. The region was governed by the British and named Malaya, but locals referred to it as Tanah Melayu, meaning “Malay Land.” After going through different stages of governance, it became Malaysia.

Maldives: The origin of the Maldives’ name is uncertain. It could come from Tamil, Sanskrit, or Arabic, meaning “Mountain Islands,” “Garland of islands,” or “palace,” respectively. The Maldives passed through several colonial reigns before gaining independence in 1968.

Mali: Once called French Sudan, Mali’s name comes from the Bambara word for hippopotamus. The Mali Empire thrived in the region from 1235 to 1670. It became part of French West Africa in the late 19th century and gained autonomy before cutting ties with France.

Malta: The name Malta may come from the Latin word Melite or the Phoenician word Melita, both meaning “place of refuge.” The strategic archipelago has been ruled by various civilizations throughout history, including the Romans, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, French, and British. Malta gained independence in 1964 but remains part of the Commonwealth.

Marshall Islands: The Marshall Islands consist of volcanic islands and coral atolls in the Pacific Ocean. The name comes from the British naval captain John William Marshall, who sailed through the area in 1788. The islands were under US control and gained independence in 1983.

Mauritania: Named after the ancient Berber kingdom of Mauretania, Mauritania acts as a geographic and cultural connection between North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. It was a French colony that gained independence in 1960.

Mauritius: The name Mauritius was given by the Dutch in the late 1500s, after Governor Maurice of Nassau. The island saw Dutch, French, and British control before becoming independent. Interestingly, the British did not change the laws and language of the island from the French system.

These countries starting with ‘M’ have unique names and histories, showcasing the diversity and richness of our world.