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Marlon

♂ Boy

Pronounced MAR-lun /ˈmɑːr.lən/High

Meaning: Little hawk; little falcon; possibly from Old French merle (blackbird) + diminutive -on, or a form of Merlin; exact etymology disputedMedium

In 30 seconds: A name of disputed French origin, possibly meaning 'little hawk' or 'little blackbird.' Associated above all with Marlon Brando — arguably the most influential film actor of the 20th century.

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Origin MediumFrench, English

MeaningLittle hawk; little falcon; possibly from Old French merle (blackbird) + diminutive -on, or a form of Merlin; exact etymology disputed

U.S. rank (2025)#1105 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births195 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1972

Total births (all-time)≈ 30,954

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Marlon's exact etymology is uncertain. It may derive from Old French merle (blackbird) with a diminutive -on, creating a 'little blackbird' meaning; or it may be a form of Merlin (from Welsh Myrddin). As a given name it is primarily known through Marlon Brando.

Marlon entered the U.S. boys' charts in the mid-20th century, driven by Marlon Brando's fame. It ranked #1084 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? Marlon Brando's 1972 performance as Vito Corleone in The Godfather is frequently cited as the greatest acting performance in film history. His method-acting revolution changed American cinema permanently, and his name Marlon became synonymous with brooding, powerful masculinity.

Overall data confidence 74%

Behind the Name — Marlon — uncertain etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

MarlinMerlin

Nicknames

Marl

Famous Bearers

★Marlon Brando (1924–2004)
American actor known for The Godfather (1972), A Streetcar Named Desire (1951), and Apocalypse Now (1979), among the most influential actors of the 20th century.

If you like Marlon…

Marlowe— Mar- opening name with the same literary-cinematic feel

Marvin— Germanic Mar- name from the same mid-century tradition

Marshall— Mar- surname name with the same rugged American feel

Marcus— Latin Mar- name with the same dignified masculine quality

Mario— Italian Mar- name in the same register

Explore names like Marlon

By themeenglish two-syllable french uncertain-origin celebrity-name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Marlon mean?

Marlon's etymology is uncertain — possibly 'little blackbird' from Old French merle, or a form of Merlin. It became widely known through actor Marlon Brando.

How do you pronounce Marlon?

It's said MAR-lun — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Marlon a boy or girl name?

Marlon is used as a boys' name.

How popular is Marlon?

Marlon ranked #1084 for U.S. boys in 2024.