Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Marley
GirlEnglish, Old English· “pleasant wood or clearing”
- Meaning
- pleasant wood or clearing
- Origin
- English, Old English
- Pronunciation
- MAHR-lee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #322
- US babies 2025
- 950
- Best rank
- #145 (2008)
- Peak year
- 2008
Meaning and origin of Marley
Marley is an English and Old English name that is usually said to mean “pleasant wood or clearing”.
Marley comes from an English surname based on place names that combine Old English words, usually interpreted as pleasant wood or clearing, though the first element varies by location. In literature, Jacob Marley is the ghostly business partner of Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol. The reggae musician Bob Marley made the name famous worldwide. As a first name, Marley is used for both boys and girls and has a relaxed, musical feel. It pairs well with a range of middle names.
Popularity over time
Marley first appears in US Social Security records in 1937. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 32 different years, starting in 1994. Its best national rank was #145 in 2008, the same year it reached its highest count of 2,359 babies. In 2025, 950 babies were named Marley, and it ranked #322 nationally. That is 37% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #5,082 in 1950, #5,428 in 1980, #695 in 2000, #234 in 2010, and #322 in 2025. Of the 33,045 US girls named Marley since records began, 43% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 8,992 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Kylee, Laila, Alana, Juliana, and Kate.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Marley ranked highest in Mississippi, Nevada, and West Virginia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | #191 | 14 |
| Nevada | #192 | 14 |
| West Virginia | #196 | 9 |
| Louisiana | #201 | 22 |
| South Carolina | #205 | 24 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 87% of US babies named Marley over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Marley is usually pronounced MAHR-lee, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with M and ends in “-ey”.
Middle names for Marley
A few middle names that flow with Marley: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Marley
Similar names
Hailey Girl
HAY-lee
“hay clearing” · English
#104
Ashley Girl
ASH-lee
“ash tree clearing” · English
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Sydney Girl
SIHD-nee
“from an English surname and place name” · Old English
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Hadley Girl
HAD-lee
“heather clearing” · English
#121
Presley Girl
PREZ-lee
“priest's clearing” · English
#225
Haley Girl
HAY-lee
“hay clearing” · English
#861
Harley Unisex
HAR-lee
“hare meadow” · Old English
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Oakley Unisex
OHK-lee
“oak clearing” · English
#156
Kelsey Girl
KEHL-see
“from an English place name; ship island” · English
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Shirley Girl
SHUR-lee
“bright clearing” · English
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Honey Girl
HUH-nee
“honey; a term of endearment” · English
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Riley Unisex
RY-lee
“rye clearing” · English
#48
Lists that include Marley
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Marley mean?
Marley is an English and Old English name that is usually said to mean “pleasant wood or clearing”.
What is the origin of the name Marley?
Marley has English and Old English roots. Marley comes from an English surname based on place names that combine Old English words, usually interpreted as pleasant wood or clearing, though the first element varies by location.
Is Marley a popular name?
Yes. Marley ranked #322 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Marley a boy or girl name?
Marley is mainly a girl's name. About 87% of US babies named Marley over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Marley?
Marley is usually pronounced MAHR-lee. 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