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.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Monroe?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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
Most popular combo · classic
Monroe Rose
Floral · soft ending
Monroe Mae
Sweet · timeless
Monroe Claire
French influence · crisp
Monroe Jane
Literary · strong
Monroe Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Monroe right now?
Rising — up 14 spots — currently #530 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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?
What names sound and feel like Monroe?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Monroe also consider these
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.