Marlon
Marlon is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Of debated origin; possibly meaning 'little falcon', 'little Marc', or related to 'marshland'.
Origin and history
Marlon is a masculine name of uncertain etymology, often associated with a diminutive form of Marc or derived from the surname Marlborough/Marler. It gained widespread cultural recognition in the 20th century primarily due to legendary American actor Marlon Brando. In the United States, it remains a recognized name with steady, moderate usage.
Popularity in the United States
30,956 babies in the United States have been named Marlon since 1880. It ranks #674 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #941.
States where it is most popular
- CA (15.5 %)
- NY (9.1 %)
- TX (8.8 %)
- FL (7.5 %)
- IL (7 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 42 |
| 1920-1930 | 195 |
| 1930-1940 | 245 |
| 1940-1950 | 303 |
| 1950-1960 | 2,226 |
| 1960-1970 | 2,803 |
| 1970-1980 | 7,066 |
| 1980-1990 | 4,528 |
| 1990-2000 | 4,551 |
| 2000-2010 | 4,567 |
| 2010-2019 | 3,138 |
| 2020-2029 | 1,292 |
Famous people named Marlon
- Marlon Brando: Actor
- Marlon Wayans: Actor, Comedian
- Marlon Jackson: Singer, Musician
Fun facts
- The name's popularity in modern times was heavily influenced by iconic actor Marlon Brando.
- Scholars debate whether Marlon stems from Old French bird names or Old English geographical surnames.