Marley Unisex
Origin(s)
PronunciationMAR-lee / /ˈmɑːrli/English; Irish
Meaning
English: 'pleasant seaside meadow'; Irish: 'descendant of the sea'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Marley has roots in both English and Irish cultures. In English, it is derived from a place name meaning 'pleasant seaside meadow'. The name has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in English-speaking countries. It is often associated with a laid-back, nature-inspired lifestyle.
Trend Summary
Marley has seen a steady increase in popularity in the United States over the past two decades.
Similar Names
Variants
- Marlee
- Marleigh
International Variants
- Marlie (Dutch)
- Marli (German)
Famous people named Marley
Marley Dias is an activist and author known for her work in promoting diversity in children's literature.
Marley Shelton is an American actress recognized for her roles in films such as 'Scream 4' and 'The Sandlot'.
Marley Matlin is an Academy Award-winning actress known for her performance in 'Children of a Lesser God'.
Fictional characters named Marley
Marley is a character in Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol', serving as the ghostly partner of Ebenezer Scrooge.
Marley is a character in the animated film 'Marley & Me', which tells the story of a lovable but mischievous dog.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Marley was first seen in the United States in 1937. Marley has ranked as high as #306 nationally, which occurred in 2008, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and New York. In the past 5 years the name Marley has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Marley (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 89 | |
| TX | 73 | |
| FL | 64 | |
| GA | 58 | |
| OH | 48 | |
| NC | 43 | |
| PA | 39 | |
| NY | 37 | |
| VA | 36 | |
| TN | 35 | |
| IL | 34 | |
| WA | 33 | |
| IN | 32 | |
| WI | 27 | |
| UT | 26 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1937 | 6 |
| 1938 | 6 |
| 1946 | 6 |
| 1948 | 5 |
| 1949 | 7 |
| 1950 | 6 |
| 1951 | 7 |
| 1953 | 6 |
| 1955 | 5 |
| 1957 | 7 |
| 1959 | 7 |
| 1962 | 6 |
| 1965 | 5 |
| 1966 | 8 |
| 1967 | 7 |
| 1968 | 5 |
| 1969 | 10 |
| 1970 | 8 |
| 1971 | 11 |
| 1972 | 11 |
| 1973 | 12 |
| 1974 | 15 |
| 1975 | 12 |
| 1976 | 7 |
| 1977 | 19 |
| 1978 | 15 |
| 1979 | 14 |
| 1980 | 13 |
| 1981 | 18 |
| 1982 | 25 |
| 1983 | 31 |
| 1984 | 32 |
| 1985 | 86 |
| 1986 | 63 |
| 1987 | 64 |
| 1988 | 76 |
| 1989 | 89 |
| 1990 | 84 |
| 1991 | 135 |
| 1992 | 153 |
| 1993 | 176 |
| 1994 | 214 |
| 1995 | 210 |
| 1996 | 233 |
| 1997 | 226 |
| 1998 | 287 |
| 1999 | 317 |
| 2000 | 337 |
| 2001 | 423 |
| 2002 | 404 |
| 2003 | 486 |
| 2004 | 556 |
| 2005 | 651 |
| 2006 | 766 |
| 2007 | 839 |
| 2008 | 2,359 |
| 2009 | 2,171 |
| 2010 | 1,345 |
| 2011 | 1,237 |
| 2012 | 1,241 |
| 2013 | 1,533 |
| 2014 | 1,650 |
| 2015 | 1,499 |
| 2016 | 1,500 |
| 2017 | 1,475 |
| 2018 | 1,417 |
| 2019 | 1,335 |
| 2020 | 1,369 |
| 2021 | 1,379 |
| 2022 | 1,139 |
| 2023 | 1,106 |
| 2024 | 1,100 |