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Marlowe Unisex

Popularity: #518 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationMAR-loh / /ˈmɑːrloʊ/

English; Old English

Meaning

English: driftwood; Old English: from the hill by the lake

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Marlowe has its roots in Old English, derived from the place name "Mereleah," which translates to "draining lake" or "lake by the hill." The components of the name are "mere," meaning lake, and "leah," meaning a clearing or meadow. This etymological origin reflects the geographical features of the areas where the name was first used, particularly in England. The transition from the place name to a personal name occurred in the late Middle Ages, as surnames began to evolve into given names, particularly in the 16th century.

Historically, the name Marlowe is most notably associated with the English playwright Christopher Marlowe, who lived during the late 16th century. His works, including "Doctor Faustus" and "Tamburlaine," were significant in the development of English drama and influenced contemporaries, including William Shakespeare. Marlowe's contributions to literature and his mysterious life, which ended in a violent death in 1593, have left a lasting legacy that has kept the name in cultural memory.

Culturally, the name Marlowe carries connotations of creativity and intellectual depth, largely due to its association with Christopher Marlowe. The name has also been used in various literary contexts, often evoking themes of tragedy and ambition. Its usage as a given name has been supported by its historical significance and the romanticized view of its most famous bearer. Diminutive forms or variations, such as Marly, may also be found, though they are less common. Overall, Marlowe embodies a rich historical and cultural tapestry that continues to resonate through literature and the arts.

Trend Summary

Marlowe has seen a gradual increase in popularity for girls in the United States over the past decade.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Marlowe
  • Marlo

International Variants

Famous people named Marlowe

Marlowe is a fictional character in the television series The Magicians, known for his role in the story's magical adventures.

Fictional characters named Marlowe

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Marlowe was first seen in the United States in 1918. Marlowe has ranked as high as #898 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. In the past 5 years the name Marlowe has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Marlowe (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 59
14%
TX 31
7%
NY 28
6%
WA 23
5%
IL 23
5%
PA 20
5%
IN 16
4%
CO 16
4%
OH 14
3%
OR 14
3%
WI 14
3%
TN 14
3%
FL 12
3%
AL 12
3%
MA 11
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19186
19216
19237
19247
19285
19305
19327
19347
19379
19395
19405
19417
19425
19436
19455
19475
19495
19506
19615
196711
196810
19699
197012
197112
197210
197312
19748
19786
19798
19807
19815
19827
198310
19849
19856
19879
198915
19909
19916
199211
19935
199410
19966
19976
199812
199912
200015
20019
200215
20039
200410
200518
200619
200728
200841
200986
201064
201184
2012102
2013185
2014206
2015222
2016256
2017264
2018246
2019243
2020279
2021302
2022365
2023328
2024476