"beloved"
Origin: Hebrew via French
Language: English
Marion
Pronunciation: [ m-EHR-ee-uhn ]
Girl Name
#1,863 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
3 Syllables
A French vintage gem with legendary romantic roots
French
English
American
Belgian
Vintage
Elegant
Classic
Literary
Sophisticated
Meaning & Origin
"bitter, sea of bitterness"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
The Story of Marion
Marion is a French diminutive of Marie, itself the French form of Mary (Hebrew Miriam), meaning either 'beloved' or 'bitter.' The name was widespread in medieval France and England, often used interchangeably with Marian. In English folklore, Maid Marian is the beloved of Robin Hood, giving the name a romantic literary heritage. Marion was popular in English-speaking countries through the early 20th century and is experiencing a charming vintage revival.
Marion was a staple of English and French naming in the early 20th century, then faded mid-century. It is now experiencing a strong vintage revival as parents rediscover elegant, timeless French names. Marion Cotillard's international fame has reinvigorated the name's sophisticated appeal.
In French culture, Marion is an entirely natural, well-loved name. Maid Marian of Robin Hood legend has given the Anglo form a romantic, adventurous association. The name is also associated with Marion, Indiana — the birthplace of James Dean.
Fun Facts
- Maid Marian, beloved of Robin Hood, has made this name synonymous with woodland romance since the medieval period
- Marion Cotillard is one of France's most celebrated actresses, winning the Academy Award in 2008
- John Wayne's birth name was Marion Robert Morrison — he adopted 'John Wayne' as his stage name
Marion in Other Languages
French
Marion
Polish
Marion
Flemish
Marion
Italian
Marion
Spanish
Marión
Famous People Named Marion
M
Marion Cotillard
Actor
1975
French actress who won the Academy Award for Best Actress for La Vie en Rose (2008), one of France's most acclaimed inte...
French actress who won the Academy Award for Best Actress for La Vie en Rose (2008), one of France's most acclaimed international stars
M
Marion Jones
Athlete
1975
American sprinter and five-time Olympic medalist at the 2000 Sydney Games
M
Maid Marian Fictional
Other
The beloved of Robin Hood in English folklore, a symbol of loyal love and nobility
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #1,863
- Total SSA Count
- 107
- Cultural Origins
- French English American Belgian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mari
Mari
Rion
Pairs Well With
Marion Claire
Marion Louise
Marion Grace
Marion Rose
Marion Elise
Marion Jane
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Marion is also used as a boy name, ranked #2309.
View Marion as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Marion
What does the name Marion mean?
"beloved" (from Hebrew via French). "bitter, sea of bitterness" (from Hebrew). Marion is a French diminutive of Marie, itself the French form of Mary (Hebrew Miriam), meaning either 'beloved' or 'bitter.' The name was widespread in medieval France and England, often used interchangeably with Marian. In English folklore, Maid Marian is the beloved of Robin Hood, giving the name a romantic literary heritage. Marion was popular in English-speaking countries through the early 20th century and is experiencing a charming vintage revival.
What is the origin of the name Marion?
Marion has Hebrew via French, Hebrew, French, English, American, and Belgian origins. In Hebrew via French, it means "beloved". In Hebrew, it means "bitter, sea of bitterness".
Is Marion a boy or girl name?
Marion is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1863. As a boy name, it is ranked #2309. Marion is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Marion?
Marion is pronounced m-EHR-ee-uhn.
How popular is the name Marion?
Marion is currently ranked #1863 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Marion?
Common nicknames for Marion include Mari, Mari, and Rion.
What are good middle names for Marion?
Popular middle name pairings include Marion Claire, Marion Louise, Marion Grace, Marion Rose, Marion Elise, and Marion Jane.
What are good sibling names for Marion?
Names that pair well with Marion as siblings include Julian, Clement, Genevieve, Sylvie, Pascal, and Colette.
How many syllables does Marion have?
Marion has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Marion a common or rare name?
Marion is an uncommon name, ranked #1863 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Marion
Marion is a girl name with French, English, American, and Belgian origins . The name means "beloved" in Hebrew via French .
Is Marion a boy or girl name? Marion is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,863 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #2,309. Marion is more commonly used as a girl name.
Marion is currently ranked #1,863 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Marion has 3 syllables and is pronounced m-EHR-ee-uhn, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Marion include Mari, Mari, and Rion. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Marion include Maria, Mariana, Mariah, Mariam, Marie . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.