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Home › Baby Names Directory › Marly

Marly

♀ Girl

Pronounced MAR-lee /ˈmɑr.li/High

Meaning: Short form of Marlene or a spelling of Marley — an English place-surname meaning 'pleasant wood' or 'marten clearing'Medium

In 30 seconds: Marlene clipped, or Marley softened: Marly is the breezy short version of both — an English wood-clearing surname with a French-château echo (Marly-le-Roi). Sleek, vintage, and reggae-adjacent.
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Origin MediumEnglish, German
MeaningShort form of Marlene or a spelling of Marley — an English place-surname meaning 'pleasant wood' or 'marten clearing'
U.S. rank (2025)#5179 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births25 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2008
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,660

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200819492025

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

Marly serves as a short form of Marlene (Maria + Magdalene) and a spelling of Marley — an English place-surname, 'pleasant wood' or 'marten clearing'. The French royal estate Marly-le-Roi adds a château echo, and Bob Marley's surname lends modern warmth.

In the U.S. it appears thinly for girls, sleek and vintage-modern. Rare, with woodland and reggae roots both available.

Did you know? Marly-le-Roi — Louis XIV's retreat near Versailles — gave its name to the 'marly', a kind of ornamental garden basin; the name carries a whiff of Sun King grandeur.
Overall data confidence 72%
Behind the Name — Marley — surname etymology

Variations

MarleyMarleeMarlie

Nicknames

Mar

Famous Bearers

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If you like Marly…

Marley— the surname-name sister
Marlee— the -ee spelled cousin
Marlene— the name it can shorten
Harley— a fellow breezy -ley name for girls

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Marly mean?

Marly is a short form of Marlene or a spelling of Marley, an English surname meaning 'pleasant wood' or 'marten clearing'.

How do you pronounce Marly?

It's said MAR-lee /ˈmɑr.li/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Marly a boy or girl name?

Marly is used mainly as a girl's name.

How popular is Marly?

Marly is a rare name in the U.S.; Marley is the familiar form.

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