A 1970s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Marlo since 1915
Babies named Marlo per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 0 | 25 |
| 1920s | 0 | 102 |
| 1930s | 36 | 173 |
| 1940s | 105 | 130 |
| 1950s | 113 | 253 |
| 1960s | 1,603 | 259 |
| 1970s | 2,546 | 655 |
| 1980s | 530 | 397 |
| 1990s | 329 | 291 |
| 2000s | 461 | 317 |
| 2010s | 905 | 538 |
| 2020s | 636 | 540 |
Meaning & origin
Marlo entered the U.S. naming scene in 1931 and saw its greatest popularity in the 1970s, reaching a peak rank in 1970. After a decline, the name has been rising again since 1994, reflecting a trend toward vintage and unisex names. While not among the top 1000, its current rank of 1833 in 2025 places it as a distinctive choice, with about 1 in 14,746 newborns receiving the name. Geographically, it has been most common in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. The name's etymology remains uncertain, but its modern feel and gender-neutral appeal continue to attract parents seeking a name that feels both fresh and familiar.
Marlo first appeared in U.S. records in 1931. It may be a blend of names such as Mary and Linda, or a feminine form of Marlon. Its rise in the 1960s and 1970s coincided with celebrity influence, though no single source is definitive. The name is considered unisex, though usage has been more common for girls since the 1990s.
Where Marlo is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Marlo” around the world
Where Marlo lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
45
babies in 2024
New Zealand
10
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mar, Lo, Marls
Sibling names for Marlo
Names that share Marlo's style, for a brother or sister.
