Marley Name Meaning

Marley means “boundary meadow.” It reflects a strong sense of self and a connection to nature. It also symbolizes a strong and independent person who is not afraid to push boundaries.

History of the Name Marley

The name Marley has its roots in England, and it’s been around for quite some time. In fact, it’s been in use since at least the Middle Ages. The name was originally spelled “Marly,” and it was used as a surname. The name Marley is derived from the Old English words “maere,” meaning “boundary,” and “leah,” meaning “clearing.” In other words, Marley originally referred to someone who lived near a boundary or a clearing.

Origins of the Name Marley

As the name Marley was originally a surname, it didn’t become a first name until relatively recently. The first recorded use of Marley as a first name was in the late 19th century. It’s unclear exactly how the name made the transition from surname to first name, but it’s likely that it was popularized by parents who wanted a unique and distinctive name for their child.

Popularity of the Name Marley

The name Marley has seen a steady increase in popularity over the years. It first appeared on the Social Security Administration’s list of the 1,000 most popular baby names in the United States in 1999 and has been climbing the list ever since. In recent years, it has become a popular name for girls, and it’s currently ranked as the 391st most popular name for girls in the United States.

Marley is also a popular name in pop culture, thanks to the famous novel and movie “Marley & Me” which tells the story of a family and their Golden Retriever, Marley. The dog Marley, in the story is known for his wild behavior, affection, and loyalty. The book and movie have been a huge success, and it has helped to boost the popularity of the name Marley.

Final Thoughts on the Name Marley

So, there you have it, folks! The history, origin, meaning, and popularity of the name Marley. It’s a name with deep roots in England, a strong connection to nature, and a growing popularity in recent years. And if you’re ever in need of a reminder of the name’s meaning, just think of the wild, lovable, and loyal Marley from “Marley & Me”!

Infographic of Marley name meaning, which is Marley is an English name meaning boundary wood.
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Marley Name Popularity

How popular is the name Marley? Here’s everything we know.

Year Rank # Births % Births
1910 0 0%
1911 0 0%
1912 0 0%
1913 0 0%
1914 0 0%
1915 0 0%
1916 0 0%
1917 0 0%
1918 0 0%
1919 0 0%
1920 0 0%
1921 0 0%
1922 0 0%
1923 0 0%
1924 0 0%
1925 0 0%
1926 0 0%
1927 0 0%
1928 0 0%
1929 0 0%
1930 0 0%
1931 0 0%
1932 0 0%
1933 0 0%
1934 0 0%
1935 0 0%
1936 0 0%
1937 0 0%
1938 0 0%
1939 0 0%
1940 0 0%
1941 0 0%
1942 0 0%
1943 0 0%
1944 0 0%
1945 0 0%
1946 0 0%
1947 0 0%
1948 0 0%
1949 0 0%
1950 0 0%
1951 0 0%
1952 0 0%
1953 0 0%
1954 0 0%
1955 0 0%
1956 0 0%
1957 0 0%
1958 0 0%
1959 0 0%
1960 0 0%
1961 0 0%
1962 0 0%
1963 0 0%
1964 0 0%
1965 0 0%
1966 0 0%
1967 0 0%
1968 0 0%
1969 0 0%
1970 0 0%
1971 0 0%
1972 0 0%
1973 0 0%
1974 0 0%
1975 0 0%
1976 0 0%
1977 0 0%
1978 0 0%
1979 0 0%
1980 0 0%
1981 0 0%
1982 2,953 5 0.0003%
1983 0 0%
1984 3,188 5 0.0003%
1985 1,952 20 0.0013%
1986 2,475 11 0.0007%
1987 2,578 10 0.0007%
1988 1,969 22 0.0014%
1989 1,715 36 0.0022%
1990 2,025 27 0.0016%
1991 1,410 64 0.0039%
1992 1,189 100 0.0063%
1993 1,092 116 0.0074%
1994 924 157 0.0102%
1995 936 151 0.01%
1996 941 156 0.0104%
1997 904 172 0.0116%
1998 732 250 0.0167%
1999 724 263 0.0176%
2000 685 300 0.0196%
2001 596 377 0.025%
2002 634 359 0.024%
2003 568 449 0.0295%
2004 507 536 0.0352%
2005 461 621 0.0406%
2006 409 743 0.0475%
2007 388 809 0.0513%
2008 145 2,351 0.1521%
2009 149 2,158 0.1444%
2010 230 1,329 0.0922%
2011 254 1,219 0.0856%
2012 254 1,222 0.0858%
2013 206 1,513 0.1063%
2014 198 1,628 0.1117%
2015 213 1,473 0.1012%
2016 210 1,482 0.1028%
2017 204 1,447 0.1037%
2018 212 1,391 0.1012%
2019 229 1,299 0.096%
2020 213 1,300 0.1021%
2021 211 1,280 0.1047%
2022 279 1,103 0.0836%

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Massachusetts (MA)

Maryland (MD)

Maine (ME)

Michigan (MI)

Minnesota (MN)

Missouri (MO)

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Montana (MT)

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New Hampshire (NH)

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Nevada (NV)

New York (NY)

Ohio (OH)

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Pennsylvania (PA)

Rhode Island (RI)

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Wisconsin (WI)

West Virginia (WV)

Wyoming (WY)

Data via SSA.gov.


Names Like Marley

If you like Marley, you’ll love these other names like Marley.


What names sound like Marley?

If you like how Marley sounds, you might also like these names that sound like Marley.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Mariel

Drop of these; bitter; beloved

Danish, French

Marilee

Star of the sea

Welsh

Marla

A variant short form of Mary.

Hebrew

Marlea

German

Marleah

Woman from Magdala

Hebrew

Marlie

Marshy meadow

German

Marlo

Modern

Marlow

Driftwood

English

Marylea

Joyful, lighthearted

English

Marylee

Star of the sea; joyful, lighthearted

Latin

Merle

Blackbird

French

Murle

Blackbird

French

Myrle

Blackbird

French


What names are similar to Marley?

Find a name that’s like Marley, but just a little bit different.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Carley

Free man

Latin

Earley

Noblewoman, princess, warrior, countess

English

Harley

Hare meadow

English

Karley

Womanly: strength. Feminine of Karl.

German

Marcey
Margey

Pearl

Greek

Marjey

Pearl

Greek

Marlen

English

Marney

Sparkling, shining

Greek

Marsey

Lists With Marley

Find inspiration in these baby girl name lists featuring the name Marley.


6 Comments

  1. Marley is one of my middle names, but not because my parents really loved Bob Marley, but really an honoring to both my grandmothers, Marjory and Shirley = Marley. So carrying on memory and tradition.
    ???

  2. I really like my name because it shows that I have power and stability and I’m trustworthy

  3. Dad and I chose Marley right at the beginning of the pregnancy. We simply liked the way it sounded. I liked what it made me think about. I connected Marley with the surf ,relaxing by the beach ,hibiscus flowers, Hawaii. We also had the names Hayley or zara.. but when we met her she looked like a Marley 🙂

  4. I picked Marley because her dad loved the reggae singer Bob Marley, and I loved how free spirited and unique the names sounded, it just rolls off the tongue and it’s rare to hear these days.

  5. Marley Ann’s name was picked cuz my cousin an I were listening to 3 little birds by Bob Marley an I was also thinking about the movie I am Legend with Will Smith. In that movie his daughters name was Marley as well, an that is my all time favorite movie with Will Smith. So that is when I decided that that would be her first name. Her middle name is Ann after my grams middle name, she had passed away in 2016 an I always said if I had a daughter she wld bare one of my grams names…

  6. Marley loves breastmilk and to smile


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