Declining since 1985, #1,097 for boys today.
Popularity of Marlon since 1914
Babies named Marlon per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 42 |
| 1920s | 195 |
| 1930s | 245 |
| 1940s | 303 |
| 1950s | 2,226 |
| 1960s | 2,803 |
| 1970s | 7,066 |
| 1980s | 4,528 |
| 1990s | 4,551 |
| 2000s | 4,567 |
| 2010s | 3,138 |
| 2020s | 1,292 |
Meaning & origin
Marlon has a distinctively modern feel, first recorded in 1914 and peaking in popularity in 1972. Its trajectory has been falling since 1985, but it remains a recognizable choice, especially in states like New Jersey, Florida, and Massachusetts. The name carries an air of cool individuality, largely due to the iconic actor Marlon Brando. Though its etymology is debated, its appeal lies in its smooth sound and versatility.
Marlon is a modern name that first appeared in the early 20th century. It may be a combination of the names Mar and Lon, or a variant of Marcel, deriving from the Latin Marcellus, a diminutive of Marcus. The name gained prominence through the American actor Marlon Brando (1924-2004), whose mother chose the name for its uniqueness. Despite its relatively recent coinage, Marlon has been consistently used in English-speaking countries since the 1910s.
Where Marlon is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Marlon” around the world
Where Marlon lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
135
babies in 2024
New Zealand
11
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mar, Lonnie
Sibling names for Marlon
Names that share Marlon's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Maya, Natalie, Samantha, Tiana, Zara, Harleen, Marla, Julene, Marlana, Marleny, Carlen, Carlette, Carlisa, Charlyne, Darlean, Harlene, Jolisa, Mardelle, Marlynn, Murlene, Ronita, Sherena, Charmine, Charnele, Daneshia, Marlaine, Marlane, Marlette, Marylene, Shellene, Arlenne, Arleny, Careen, Charman, Darlina, Darnice, Decarla, Harla, Karlen, Kerline, Marlet, Sharlena
Brothers: Damian, Jalen, Marcus, Troy, Xavier, Gaylon, Ladell, Carlens, Garlon, Jarmon, Mareon, Marvion, Yosmar
Names like Marlon
Names whose popularity has moved with Marlon's over the last 50 years.
