Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Marion
UnisexFrench, Hebrew· “diminutive of Marie”
- Meaning
- diminutive of Marie
- Origin
- French, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- MEH-ree-uhn
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #2,044
- US babies 2025
- 93
- Best rank
- #42 (1922)
- Peak year
- 1924
Meaning and origin of Marion
Marion is a French and Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “diminutive of Marie”.
Marion began as a medieval French diminutive of Marie, the French form of Mary, which traces back to the Hebrew Miriam, whose meaning is debated. It was long used for girls, but in the United States it also became a boy's name, partly through the surname of Francis Marion, the Revolutionary War general known as the Swamp Fox. The actor John Wayne was born Marion Morrison. For girls, Marion has a vintage elegance, and for boys it has a classic, old-fashioned feel. Mari is a possible nickname.
Other spellings with the same sound: Marian.
Popularity over time
Marion has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 108 different years. Its best national rank was #42 in 1922, and the most babies received it in 1924, when 6,047 were named Marion. In 2025, 93 babies were named Marion, and it ranked #2,044 nationally. That is 38% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #43 in 1920, #196 in 1950, #828 in 1980, #1,342 in 2000, #2,037 in 2010, and #2,044 in 2025. Of the 189,218 US girls named Marion since records began, 29% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 37,974 babies. Since 2010, 2,003 more have been named Marion.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Marion ranked highest in Virginia, South Carolina, and Minnesota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | #597 | 13 |
| South Carolina | #598 | 8 |
| Minnesota | #945 | 5 |
| Washington | #1183 | 5 |
| Texas | #2826 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Marion is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 57% of US babies named Marion were girls and 43% were boys.
Marion is usually pronounced MEH-ree-uhn, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with M and ends in “-on”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Marian.
Middle names for Marion
A few middle names that flow with Marion: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Marion
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Lists that include Marion
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Marion mean?
Marion is a French and Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “diminutive of Marie”.
What is the origin of the name Marion?
Marion has French and Hebrew roots. Marion began as a medieval French diminutive of Marie, the French form of Mary, which traces back to the Hebrew Miriam, whose meaning is debated.
Is Marion a popular name?
Not especially. Marion ranked #2,044 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Marion a boy or girl name?
Marion is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 57% of US babies named Marion were girls and 43% were boys.
How do you pronounce Marion?
Marion is usually pronounced MEH-ree-uhn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings