Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Marlon
Boy
- Meaning
- uncertain (origin disputed)
- Pronunciation
- MAHR-luhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,105
- US babies 2025
- 195
- Best rank
- #217 (1972)
- Peak year
- 1972
Meaning and origin of Marlon
The origin of Marlon is uncertain.
Marlon is a name of uncertain origin. It has been explained as a form of Merlin, as a French diminutive of Marc, or as a variant of the surname Marlow, but none of these explanations is secure. The name owes its fame to the actor Marlon Brando, whose intense performances made him one of the most influential screen actors of the twentieth century. Marlon has a smooth, slightly retro sound, and it is used across the Americas and the Caribbean. Marl and Lon are possible nicknames.
Other spellings with the same sound: Marlin, Marlen.
Popularity over time
Marlon first appears in US Social Security records in 1914. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 73 different years, starting in 1950. Its best national rank was #217 in 1972, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,028 babies. In 2025, 195 babies were named Marlon, and it ranked #1,105 nationally. That is 30% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,626 in 1920, #968 in 1950, #344 in 1980, #507 in 2000, #607 in 2010, and #1,105 in 2025. Of the 30,956 US boys named Marlon since records began, 23% were born in the 1970s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 4,567 babies. Since 2010, 4,430 more have been named Marlon.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Lamont, Roderick, Scotty, Shad, and Darrick.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Marlon ranked highest in New Jersey, Florida, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | #563 | 13 |
| Florida | #770 | 20 |
| California | #840 | 29 |
| Massachusetts | #859 | 5 |
| Texas | #870 | 30 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Marlon is usually pronounced MAHR-luhn, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with M and ends in “-on”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Marlin and Marlen.
Middle names for Marlon
A few middle names that flow with Marlon: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Marlon
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Lists that include Marlon
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Marlon mean?
The origin of Marlon is uncertain.
Is Marlon a popular name?
Not especially. Marlon ranked #1,105 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Marlon a boy or girl name?
Marlon is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Marlon?
Marlon is usually pronounced MAHR-luhn. 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