What does Marlow mean and where does it come from?
Marlow, although originally a surname derived from the Old English elements 'mere' (meaning lake) and 'lah' (meaning 'a piece of land') is increasingly used as a feminine given name. It gained popularity in the United States in the late 20th century and is often associated with nature and tranquilit
Cultural significance
Marlow has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of driftwood, a meadow by a lake.
Peak popularity
Reached #1167 in 2025 — currently #1167 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Marlow?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Marlow?
Marlow works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Marlow Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Marlow John
One syllable · timeless choice
Marlow Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Marlow Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Marlow Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Marlow Beau
One syllable · on the rise
How popular is Marlow right now?
Rising fast — up 156 spots — currently #1167 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1167 | 199 | ▲ up 156 · +14% births |
| 2024 | #1323 | 174 | ▲ up 47 · +5% births |
| 2023 | #1370 | 165 | ▲ up 302 · +31% births |
| 2022 | #1672 | 126 | ▼ down 226 · -15% births |
| 2021 | #1446 | 149 | ▲ up 573 · +64% births |
| 2020 | #2019 | 91 | ▲ up 188 · +7% births |
| 2015 | #2207 | 85 | ▲ up 2298 · +166% births |
| 2010 | #4505 | 32 | ▲ up 8580 · +357% births |
| 2005 | #13085 | 7 | ▼ down 4799 |
| 1980 | #8286 | 7 | ▼ down 3874 · -50% births |
| 1975 | #4412 | 14 | ▲ up 406 · +27% births |
| 1970 | #4818 | 11 | — |
The story of Marlow
Marlow is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1963. With 3,002 total births recorded, Marlow remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4818 in 1970 to #1370 in 2023. Marlow is used for both genders: 36% female and 64% male.
Names that peaked alongside Marlow in 2025:
Marlow by decade
Marlow peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 86 | |
| 1920s | 132 | |
| 1930s | 220 | |
| 1940s | 138 | |
| 1950s | 158 | |
| 1960s | 220 | |
| 1970s | 434 | |
| 1980s | 192 | |
| 1990s | 107 | |
| 2000s | 233 | |
| 2010s ★ | 966 | |
| 2020s | 604 | |
💎With 3,002 total births, Marlow is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Marlow?
What names sound and feel like Marlow?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Marlow also consider these
Common questions about the name Marlow
What does the name Marlow mean?
Marlow means "driftwood, a meadow by a lake" — a name rooted in American 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 Marlow?
Marlow is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Marlow have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Marlow?
Marlow originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Marlow trending right now?
Marlow is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is Marlow a common or rare name?
Marlow is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.