A 1960s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Marni since 1946
Babies named Marni per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 24 |
| 1950s | 96 |
| 1960s | 955 |
| 1970s | 1,315 |
| 1980s | 422 |
| 1990s | 220 |
| 2000s | 128 |
| 2010s | 141 |
| 2020s | 114 |
Meaning & origin
Marni is a name of uncertain origin that has maintained a quiet presence in the United States since it was first recorded in 1946. It reached its peak popularity in 1969, though it remained relatively rare. After a long decline, the name has been rising in use since 2009, reflecting a broader trend of vintage and mid-century names regaining appeal. In 2025, approximately 1 in 55,423 girls were named Marni, placing it at rank 4,661. The name was most common in New York, suggesting a possible urban association. Marni's soft sound and concise two-syllable structure make it a distinctive choice that fits alongside other short, vowel-inclusive names.
Marni may derive from the Hebrew name Marnin, meaning 'to cause joy' or 'to sing', though this connection is uncertain. It is also considered a variant of Marnie, a diminutive of Marina (from Latin marinus, 'of the sea'). The name saw modest use in English-speaking countries from the mid-20th century, possibly boosted by the actress Marni Nixon (1930-2016).
Where Marni is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mar, Marn
Sibling names for Marni
Names that share Marni's style, for a brother or sister.
