A 1960s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Marnie since 1915
Babies named Marnie per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 19 |
| 1920s | 16 |
| 1930s | 31 |
| 1940s | 126 |
| 1950s | 219 |
| 1960s | 1,939 |
| 1970s | 2,263 |
| 1980s | 453 |
| 1990s | 267 |
| 2000s | 164 |
| 2010s | 260 |
| 2020s | 384 |
Meaning & origin
Marnie first entered U.S. birth records in 1915, but its peak year came in 1969 when it ranked highest in usage. After a period of decline, the name has been on a rising trajectory since 2009, reflecting a broader revival of mid-century names. In 2025, it ranked 2,173rd, with about 1 in 18,909 newborn girls receiving the name. The states where Marnie was most common in its recent resurgence include Iowa, Minnesota, and Virginia. While often associated with the 1964 Alfred Hitchcock film, the name has deeper roots as a diminutive of Marina or a variant of the Scottish name Marny, both of which carry a connection to the sea.
The name Marnie is often considered a diminutive of Marina (Latin for 'of the sea') or a Scottish place name meaning 'belonging to the sea'. It gained prominence in the 20th century, particularly after the 1964 Alfred Hitchcock film 'Marnie', though the name predates the film. Its usage in the United States peaked in the late 1960s and has seen a revival since 2009.
Where Marnie 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.
“Marnie” around the world
Where Marnie lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Ireland
5
babies in 2025
New Zealand
13
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mar, Marns, Marn
Sibling names for Marnie
Names that share Marnie's style, for a brother or sister.
