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Marion
β Boy
Pronounced MAIR-ee-un /ΛmΙΙr.i.Ιn/High
Meaning: beloved, sea of bitternessMedium
In 30 seconds: Marion is a French diminutive of Mary meaning beloved. Used as a masculine name in the US through heritage bearers like actor John Wayne.
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Meaningbeloved, sea of bitterness
U.S. rank (2025)#2504 β Falling
2025 U.S. births54 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1921
Total births (all-time)β 72,494
Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880βpresent). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Marion is a French diminutive of Marie, from Hebrew Miriam meaning beloved.
Marion is used as a masculine name in the US, particularly in Southern states.
Did you know? John Wayne's birth name was Marion Robert Morrison β and his transformation from Iowa-born Marion into the iconic Duke, the embodiment of American masculine toughness, is one of Hollywood's great reinvention stories.
Overall data confidence 82%
Behind the Name: Marion β name etymology referenceUS Social Security Name Database β U.S. popularity data
Variations
MaryMarianMiriam
Nicknames
Mar
Famous Bearers
- β
Marion Robert Morrison (1907β1979)Birth name of American actor John Wayne, the Western and war-film icon of Hollywood's Golden Age.
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Frequently Asked
What does Marion mean?
Marion means beloved, sea of bitterness.
How do you pronounce Marion?
Marion is pronounced MAIR-ee-un (/ΛmΙΙr.i.Ιn/), with 3 syllables.
Is Marion a boy's name?
Yes, Marion is used as a boy's name.
How popular is the name Marion?
French/Hebrew; beloved meaning via Miriam well established. Used as boy per spec.