Marlon
How to say it: MAR-lun · /ˈmɑrlən/
Possibly a diminutive of Marc/Mark via Old French; also theorized as a variant of Merlin. Etymology uncertain.
Marlon was the 786th most popular boys’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 195 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1970s, its births are down about 20% in ten years, and it is projected to slip to #844 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among boys’ names, 2025 | #786 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 195 |
| Share of births | 1 in 11,632 |
| Peak decade | 1970s |
| Change over 10 years | −20% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #844 |
| In France, 2025 | #390 among boys’ names, 105 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
After peaking in the 1970s, Marlon has faded to well below that high. The next few years are likely to bring further slipping.
What goes with it
With its soft sound in two syllables, Marlon feels steady and masculine. Damon and Ramon share its style.
Nicknames
- Marl
- Mar
Honouring a Marlon in the family
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Marlon is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish.
In France: #390 for boys in 2025.
Famous people named Marlon
- Marlon Brando (1924–2004)American actor
- Marlon Wayans (born 1972)American actor, screenwriter, and film producer
- Marlon Jackson (born 1957)American singer and member of The Jackson 5
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
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