Home › Baby Names Directory › Marley

Marley

♂ Boy

Pronounced MAR-lee /ˈmɑːr.liː/Low

Meaning: Pleasant wood or clearingLow

In 30 seconds: Marley is an English place name turned surname turned given name, meaning pleasant wood or clearing. Associated with reggae legend Bob Marley and Dickens's ghost Jacob Marley, this two-syllable name works for both boys and girls.
💕 Browse more names
Origin LowEnglish
MeaningPleasant wood or clearing
U.S. rank (2024)#1238 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births161 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2008
Total births (all-time)≈ 5,225

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200819142024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Marley derives from the Old English place name meaning pleasant clearing, from maere (boundary, pleasant) and leah (clearing). It became a surname before transitioning to a given name. Bob Marley's global fame brought the name to worldwide recognition.

Marley works as a unisex name in the United States, with Bob Marley's influence making it feel warm and musical. It is used for both boys and girls though increasingly more common for girls.

Did you know? Bob Marley (1945-1981) is one of the most beloved musicians in history, bringing Jamaican reggae and Rastafarian philosophy to the world. His iconic status means the name Marley is inseparable from peace, love, and One Love.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name: Marley

Variations

MarleeMarleighMarlieMarlia

Nicknames

MarLee

Famous Bearers

  • ★Bob Marley (1945-1981)
    Jamaican reggae musician and global icon known for No Woman No Cry and One Love

If you like Marley…

Harley— Same -ley suffix and similar two-syllable structure
Carley— Same -ley ending feminine/unisex name
Barkley— Same -ley suffix surname name
Finley— Two-syllable -ley unisex name

Frequently Asked

What does Marley mean?

Marley means pleasant wood or clearing from Old English maere and leah.

Is Marley a boy or girl name?

Marley is gender-neutral and used for both boys and girls, though it is increasingly more common for girls.

How do you pronounce Marley?

Marley is pronounced MAR-lee with two syllables.

Who is the most famous Marley?

Bob Marley is the most famous bearer, a Jamaican reggae legend and global icon of peace and love.