Monroe

“mouth of the river Roe”

English origin · Unisex name

♂ 79% boys♀ 21% girls

#530US 2023

574Births / yr

↑Rising

20.6kAll-time births

📅 Since 192800.03% of births at peak

How to pronounce Monroe

munr·OH

/mənr.ˈoʊ/ · stress on OH · 2 syllables

“mouth of the river Roe”

English origin · Unisex name

What does Monroe mean and where does it come from?

Monroe is primarily a surname that has transitioned into a first name, especially for females in contemporary culture. The name comes from a Scottish place name derived from the Gaelic 'Mhuir-nan-Rò' meaning 'the mouth of the Roe (river)'. Its popularity surged due to iconic figures like Marilyn Mon

Cultural significance

Monroe has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of mouth of the river roe.

Peak popularity

Reached #537 in 2020 — currently #530 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Monroe?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Munro

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Monroe?

Monroe works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Monroe Grace

How popular is Monroe right now?

Rising — up 14 spots — currently #530 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2000–2023#530 · Top 0.39%

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#530	574	▲ up 14 · +1% births
2022	#544	567	▼ down 18 · -3% births
2021	#526	587	▲ up 11 · +6% births
2020	#537	554	▲ up 182 · +40% births
2015	#719	395	▲ up 1372 · +320% births
2010	#2091	94	▲ up 3183 · +292% births
2005	#5274	24	▲ up 6549 · +243% births
2000	#11823	7	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Monroe

Best Year2021Rank #526

Peak Count587

Average Rank#2756

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range2000 - 20238 years

The story of Monroe

Monroe entered American naming records in 1928 and has been in use for over 96 years. A total of 20,646 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #11823 in 2000 to #530 in 2023. Monroe is used for both genders: 21% female and 79% male.

Names that peaked alongside Monroe in 2020:

Olivia Emma Ava Charlotte Sophia

Monroe by decade

Monroe peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	614
1890s	565
1900s	720
1910s	2,450
1920s	3,202
1930s	2,169
1940s	1,859
1950s	1,283
1960s	754
1970s	534
1980s	385
1990s	367
2000s	592
2010s ★	4,483
2020s	669

What are good nicknames for Monroe?

Common

MonMoOnroe

What names sound and feel like Monroe?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Monroe also consider these

Monee

English · English

Mondre

American · The name Mondre

Monell

English · English

Momoe

Japanese · Peach blossom

Manoe

English · A meaningful name

Morrow

English · morning, the next

Moonie

English · A meaningful name

Moore

American · English

How is Monroe written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Monroe

What does the name Monroe mean?

Monroe means "mouth of the river Roe" — a name rooted in English 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 Monroe?

Monroe is currently ranked #530 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Monroe have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Monroe?

Monroe originates from English tradition. English 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 Monroe?

Monroe is a two-syllable name pronounced M AH0 N R OW1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Monroe trending right now?

Monroe is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.