Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Marlon is a name of Latin origin, meaning 'little hawk' or 'brave warrior.' It evolved from historical forms like Marlowe and Marlo, reflecting traits of strength and creativity. While it has no biblical relevance, it gained significant popularity in the mid-20th century, especially due to Marlon Brando's fame. Today, it is viewed positively, linked to artistic individuals.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈmɑːrlən/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Marlon is believed to be derived from the Latin name 'Marlon,' which is a diminutive form of 'Marlo' or 'Marlowe,' possibly meaning 'little hawk' or 'a small, brave warrior.'
Meaning
little hawk, brave warrior
Language Evolution
Marlowe, Marlo, Marlon
Historical Usage
The name Marlon gained popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States, influenced by the famous actor Marlon Brando.
Variants & Derivatives
Marlowe, Marlo
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Marlon is perceived as a strong and artistic name, often associated with creativity and charisma due to its association with notable figures in the entertainment industry.
Famous People
Marlon Brando, Marlon Wayans, Marlon Jackson
📊 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 1,037 peak births in 1972
Geographic Spread
Popular across 42 US states, with strongest presence in Louisiana
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 13 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (4 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 4 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 | 2412th of 7545 | 184 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1334th of 6773 | 479 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 536th of 7552 | 3,854 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 336th of 10718 | 8,902 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 445th of 16616 | 7,182 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 547th of 24088 | 7,043 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 861st of 23106 | 3,115 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 8361st of 9107 | 9 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 7034th of 9204 | 17 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 6343rd of 12526 | 65 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 5335th of 19264 | 155 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 11096th of 27321 | 79 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 29526th of 35406 | 11 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
81.45% 1927th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
53.04% 1248th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
20.43% 455th/2227 |
25.02% 608th/2430 |
17.56% 501st/2853 |
19.78% 549th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
9.84% 289th/2937 |
10.19% 355th/3483 |
8.13% 286th/3518 |
10.73% 434th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
12.21% 450th/3685 |
8.69% 389th/4475 |
8.03% 417th/5194 |
7.14% 451st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
15.10% 692nd/4582 |
9.30% 480th/5164 |
7.21% 527th/7313 |
7.06% 527th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
27.08% 1079th/3984 |
17.87% 802nd/4487 |
11.52% 786th/6822 |
15.44% 969th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
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 Louisiana across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the South 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 falling for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2412th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1334th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 536th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 336th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 445th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 547th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 861st out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 8361st out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 7034th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 6343rd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5335th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 11096th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 29526th out of 35406 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.