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Monroe Unisex

Popularity: #771 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

Pronunciationmun-ROE / /mʌnˈroʊ/

Scottish; English

Meaning

Scottish: mouth of the river; English: from the mouth of the river

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Monroe has its roots in the Scottish Gaelic name "Murchadh," which means "sea warrior." This name evolved through various forms, including the Old Gaelic "Murchadh" and later anglicized as "Monroe." The name entered the English language primarily through the influence of Scottish surnames, particularly during the 17th century when Scottish clans began to migrate and settle in other regions, including North America. The surname Monroe is derived from a place name in Scotland, specifically from the town of Monro in the region of Ayrshire, which itself is believed to be derived from the Gaelic "Muinne Ruadh," meaning "red bog." This geographical connection highlights the name's deep ties to Scottish heritage and landscape.

Historically, the name Monroe gained prominence through notable figures such as James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States, who served from 1817 to 1825. His presidency is often associated with the Monroe Doctrine, a significant policy statement that shaped American foreign relations in the 19th century. The name also appears in various historical texts and documents, reflecting its usage among influential families and individuals throughout the centuries. Additionally, the name has been borne by several saints and notable figures in Scottish history, further embedding it within cultural narratives.

Culturally, Monroe carries connotations of strength and resilience, resonating with the warrior aspect of its etymological roots. The name has been embraced in various artistic and literary contexts, often symbolizing a connection to heritage and identity. In terms of diminutive forms, "Mon" has occasionally been used as a familiar or affectionate variant, though it is less common. Overall, the name Monroe encapsulates a rich tapestry of linguistic evolution, historical significance, and cultural resonance.

Trend Summary

Monroe has seen a gradual increase in popularity as a boy's name in the United States over the past few decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Monrow

International Variants

  • Monroe (English)

Famous people named Monroe

Monroe Bearden is an artist best known for his collage works and contributions to the Harlem Renaissance.

Fictional characters named Monroe

Monroe is a fictional character from the TV series Grimm. He is a Wesen who runs a spice shop and serves as a valuable ally to the main character, Nick Burkhardt.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Monroe was first seen in the United States in 1880. Monroe has ranked as high as #553 nationally, which occurred in 1921, and has been most popular in Texas, Mississippi, New York, Alabama, and North Carolina. In the past 5 years the name Monroe has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Monroe (2024)

StateBirthsShare
OH 15
16%
CA 10
11%
TX 10
11%
NC 9
9%
NY 8
8%
FL 8
8%
PA 7
7%
MO 6
6%
IN 6
6%
MN 6
6%
TN 5
5%
WA 5
5%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188053
188158
188276
188346
188456
188554
188673
188756
188874
188968
189053
189147
189258
189363
189458
189563
189663
189758
189858
189944
190089
190162
190259
190367
190464
190579
190672
190772
190881
190975
191078
191191
1912175
1913210
1914251
1915310
1916300
1917334
1918362
1919339
1920359
1921375
1922354
1923334
1924293
1925303
1926320
1927302
1928280
1929274
1930261
1931248
1932200
1933219
1934213
1935210
1936223
1937194
1938204
1939191
1940197
1941183
1942188
1943206
1944185
1945154
1946186
1947205
1948190
1949167
1950125
1951145
1952170
1953149
1954113
1955137
1956124
1957127
195893
195996
196074
196186
196277
196388
196476
196568
196670
196770
196875
196969
197070
197174
197239
197362
197453
197544
197645
197755
197841
197951
198040
198148
198245
198349
198430
198541
198640
198731
198829
198935
199038
199135
199232
199332
199438
199545
199629
199732
199824
199930
200031
200133
200229
200328
200422
200538
200636
200741
200840
200942
201038
201143
201279
2013111
2014119
2015142
2016129
2017133
2018117
2019113
2020115
2021189
2022115
2023141
2024153