Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Marion has its roots in Latin, derived from 'Marius' and related to 'Maria'. It means 'bitter' and has evolved through various historical forms. Although it has biblical connections, it is not explicitly mentioned in scripture. The name gained popularity in the 19th century as a unisex option and is still regarded as elegant in modern contexts.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈmɛr.i.ən/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Marion is derived from the Latin name 'Marius', which is believed to be related to the Roman god of war, Mars. It is often considered a diminutive form of 'Maria' or 'Mary'.
Meaning
bitter
Language Evolution
Marius, Maria, Marion
Historical Usage
The name Marion gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, as a unisex name. It was commonly used for both males and females.
Variants & Derivatives
Mary, Marius, Marian, Marie
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Marion is perceived as a classic and timeless name, often associated with elegance and strength. It retains a sense of charm and is sometimes viewed as old-fashioned.
Famous People
Marion Cotillard, Marion Barry, Marion C. Wolf
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 7,660 peak births in 1924
Geographic Spread
Popular across 50 US states, with strongest presence in Vermont
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (3 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 3 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 112th of 7545 | 25,003 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 149th of 6773 | 20,813 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 271st of 7552 | 13,451 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 475th of 10718 | 4,701 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 836th of 16616 | 2,253 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1220th of 24088 | 2,064 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 2079th of 23106 | 834 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 47th of 9107 | 93,615 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 97th of 9204 | 51,397 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 246th of 12526 | 22,392 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 560th of 19264 | 5,168 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1076th of 27321 | 2,531 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1754th of 35406 | 1,814 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1651st of 30306 | 1,592 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
6.92% 98th/1416 |
20.30% 280th/1379 |
3.59% 85th/2366 |
11.82% 135th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
9.96% 154th/1546 |
22.81% 355th/1556 |
4.21% 99th/2353 |
14.74% 228th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
13.16% 293rd/2227 |
20.45% 497th/2430 |
6.91% 197th/2853 |
16.58% 460th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
16.82% 494th/2937 |
20.18% 703rd/3483 |
9.72% 342nd/3518 |
20.23% 818th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
22.63% 834th/3685 |
32.34% 1447th/4475 |
12.44% 646th/5194 |
23.22% 1467th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
21.02% 963rd/4582 |
49.40% 2551st/5164 |
14.23% 1041st/7313 |
23.74% 1772nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
40.21% 1602nd/3984 |
83.98% 3768th/4487 |
27.02% 1843rd/6822 |
52.15% 3273rd/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
3.53% 50th/1416 |
1.74% 24th/1379 |
5.54% 131st/2366 |
5.08% 58th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
6.34% 98th/1546 |
3.53% 55th/1556 |
6.08% 143rd/2353 |
8.86% 137th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
14.14% 315th/2227 |
7.24% 176th/2430 |
8.73% 249th/2853 |
13.37% 371st/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
22.47% 660th/2937 |
13.03% 454th/3483 |
14.04% 494th/3518 |
20.13% 814th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
34.33% 1265th/3685 |
22.15% 991st/4475 |
17.81% 925th/5194 |
22.75% 1437th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
47.18% 2162nd/4582 |
31.47% 1625th/5164 |
22.78% 1666th/7313 |
30.78% 2297th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
43.95% 1751st/3984 |
34.61% 1553rd/4487 |
26.46% 1805th/6822 |
25.97% 1630th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Vermont across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the G.I. Generation generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, too falling for female in Northeast, falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 112th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 149th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 271st out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 475th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 836th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1220th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2079th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 47th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 97th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 246th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 560th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1076th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1754th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1651st out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.