Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Monroe
UnisexScottish· “from the Scottish surname Munro”
- Meaning
- from the Scottish surname Munro
- Origin
- Scottish
- Pronunciation
- muhn-ROH
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #467
- US babies 2025
- 658
- Best rank
- #467 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Monroe
Monroe is a Scottish name that is usually said to mean “from the Scottish surname Munro”.
Monroe comes from the Scottish surname Munro, the name of a Highland clan from Ross-shire. The surname's origin is uncertain; it is often explained as Gaelic for "mouth of the Roe," a river, but that is a traditional explanation rather than an established one. In the United States, the name is linked with President James Monroe and with the actress Marilyn Monroe, who adopted it as her stage surname. As a first name, Monroe is used for both boys and girls and has a vintage glamour and a crisp, confident sound. Roe and Ro are simple nicknames.
Popularity over time
Monroe first appears in US Social Security records in 1928. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 14 different years, starting in 2012. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #467, and its highest count, 658 babies. Use has grown 66% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #12,708 in 2000, #2,112 in 2010, and #467 in 2025. Of the 7,266 US girls named Monroe since records began, 48% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 3,474 babies.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Rowen, Rio, Jream, Akari, and Briar.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Monroe ranked highest in Utah, Montana, and Kansas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | #124 | 36 |
| Montana | #160 | 7 |
| Kansas | #218 | 15 |
| Nebraska | #219 | 11 |
| North Dakota | #235 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Monroe is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 78% of US babies named Monroe were girls and 22% were boys.
Monroe is usually pronounced muhn-ROH, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with M and ends in “-oe”.
Middle names for Monroe
A few middle names that flow with Monroe: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Monroe
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Lists that include Monroe
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Monroe mean?
Monroe is a Scottish name that is usually said to mean “from the Scottish surname Munro”.
What is the origin of the name Monroe?
Monroe has Scottish roots. Monroe comes from the Scottish surname Munro, the name of a Highland clan from Ross-shire.
Is Monroe a popular name?
Yes. Monroe ranked #467 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Monroe a boy or girl name?
Monroe is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 78% of US babies named Monroe were girls and 22% were boys.
How do you pronounce Monroe?
Monroe is usually pronounced muhn-ROH. 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