MallowbyNames

Marny

MAR-nee · Of uncertain origin; possibly a variant of Marnie, originally a Scottish diminutive of Margaret, meaning 'pearl'.

Peak popularity
1970
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Marny since 1923

Babies named Marny per year in U.S. Social Security records.

8162419602000Most births 1970Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1920s5
1930s0
1940s39
1950s29
1960s62
1970s114
1980s5
1990s0
2000s0
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Marny is a rare feminine name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1923. Its popularity reached its peak in 1970, during a decade that favored short, informal names with a lively rhythm. However, it never entered the top 1000, and its usage has remained stable at low levels through 2025. The name is widely understood as a variant of Marnie, itself a Scottish diminutive of the classic Margaret, meaning 'pearl'. Despite its lack of widespread use, Marny carries a distinctively vintage feel from its peak decade, the 1970s, and appeals to parents seeking an uncommon yet familiar-sounding name.

Marny is likely a variant spelling of Marnie, itself a Scottish diminutive of Margaret, which derives from the Greek margarites meaning 'pearl'. The name gained some use in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States, as part of a trend toward short, informal names ending in the 'ee' sound. Its popularity peaked in the 1970s, but it has remained relatively rare.

Nicknames & variants

Variants: Marnie, Marni

Sibling names for Marny

Names that share Marny's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Molly, Maisie, Daisy, Rosie, Lucy

Brothers: Jamie, Charlie, Rory, Leo, Finn

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

M is for Marny, our favorite little girl.

M is for Marny…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Marny's letter becomes Marny's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Marny's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Marny mean?
Marny is likely a variant of Marnie, a Scottish diminutive of Margaret, which means 'pearl'.
How popular is the name Marny?
Marny has never been highly popular in the United States, peaking in the 1970s (ranked outside the top 1000). The latest available data from 2025 does not record a top 1000 rank.
Is Marny a boy's or a girl's name?
Marny is almost exclusively used as a feminine name.