What does Marion mean and where does it come from?
Marion is derived from the French name 'Marie', which itself is rooted in the Hebrew name 'Miriam' (מִרְיָם) meaning 'sea of bitterness' or 'wished-for child'. The name gained popularity in France and England during the 17th century. Famous figures include Marion Cotillard, a renowned French actress
Cultural significance
Marion has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in French-speaking communities, where it reflects values of little warrior.
Peak popularity
Reached #42 in 1922 — currently #1663 in the US.
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Related Reading
French-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Marion?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Marion?
Marion works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Marion Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Marion Rose
Floral · soft ending
Marion Mae
Sweet · timeless
Marion Claire
French influence · crisp
Marion Jane
Literary · strong
Marion Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Marion right now?
Rising fast — up 65 spots — currently #1663 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1663 | 125 | ▲ up 65 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1728 | 121 | ▼ down 83 · -5% births |
| 2021 | #1645 | 127 | ▲ up 182 · +20% births |
| 2020 | #1827 | 106 | ▼ down 315 · -29% births |
| 2015 | #1512 | 149 | ▲ up 512 · +52% births |
| 2010 | #2024 | 98 | ▼ down 148 · -5% births |
| 2005 | #1876 | 103 | ▼ down 541 · -27% births |
| 2000 | #1335 | 141 | ▲ up 136 · +31% births |
| 1995 | #1471 | 108 | ▼ down 405 · -35% births |
| 1990 | #1066 | 166 | ▼ down 133 · -1% births |
| 1985 | #933 | 168 | ▼ down 109 · -12% births |
| 1980 | #824 | 190 | ▼ down 173 · -19% births |
| 1975 | #651 | 234 | ▼ down 139 · -39% births |
| 1970 | #512 | 383 | ▼ down 125 · -32% births |
| 1965 | #387 | 567 | — |
The story of Marion
Marion has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #42 in 1922. More than 260,837 babies have been named Marion since 1880. Once ranked #137 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1663 in 2023. Marion is used for both genders: 72% female and 28% male.
Names that peaked alongside Marion in 1922:
Marion by decade
Marion peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 3,733 | |
| 1890s | 8,818 | |
| 1900s | 13,680 | |
| 1910s | 48,130 | |
| 1920s ★ | 71,214 | |
| 1930s | 41,423 | |
| 1940s | 28,158 | |
| 1950s | 19,141 | |
| 1960s | 10,551 | |
| 1970s | 5,225 | |
| 1980s | 3,411 | |
| 1990s | 2,490 | |
| 2000s | 2,492 | |
| 2010s | 2,209 | |
| 2020s | 162 | |
What are good nicknames for Marion?
Famous people named Marion
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Marion (medieval French noble)
Marion held this name in the courts of medieval France, from which it spread across Europe with the Normans.
M(
Marion (French philosopher)
Marion carried this name in the Enlightenment tradition that shaped modern Western thought.
M(
Marion (French monarch)
Marion bore this name in the French royal court, spreading its aristocratic prestige across Europe.
M(
Marion (French philosopher)
Marion carried this name in the Enlightenment tradition that shaped modern Western thought.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Marion?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Marion also consider these
Common questions about the name Marion
What does the name Marion mean?
Marion means "little warrior" — a name rooted in French tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Marion?
Marion is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Marion?
Marion originates from French tradition. French names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Marion?
Marion is a three-syllable name pronounced M EH1 R IY0 AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Marion?
Marion pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar French heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.