"lake remnants, from the lake land"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Marlow
Pronunciation: [ m-AHRL-oh ]
Girl Name
#1,318 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
A literary English name with Thames river character
English
American
Vintage
Literary
Bold
Sophisticated
Modern
Meaning & Origin
The Story of Marlow
Marlow is an English place name and surname derived from Old English 'mear laf' meaning 'remnants from the lake' or 'driftwood.' The Buckinghamshire town of Marlow on the Thames gave rise to the surname. As a given name, it gained attention partly through Christopher Marlowe, the Elizabethan playwright, whose surname is an alternate spelling.
Marlow has been rising strongly for girls as part of the trend toward literary and surname names. It offers a distinctive alternative to the popular Harlow while sharing its vintage Hollywood feel. The name appeals to parents who want something between traditional and unique.
Christopher Marlowe (spelled Marlowe) was Shakespeare's great contemporary and rival, author of Doctor Faustus and Tamburlaine. The name also carries nautical and Thames river associations from the English town. For girls, it evokes the spirit of adventurous, literary heroines.
Fun Facts
- Christopher Marlowe (alternate spelling Marlowe) may have co-written some of Shakespeare's early plays, according to some scholars
- Marlow in Buckinghamshire, England was Percy Bysshe Shelley's home when he wrote 'The Revolt of Islam' in 1817
- Charles Dickens' character Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield is associated with the town of Marlow
Marlow in Other Languages
French
Marlow
German
Marlow
English
Marlow
Spanish
Marlow
Famous People Named Marlow
C
Christopher Marlowe
Writer
1564
Elizabethan playwright and poet, contemporary of Shakespeare, author of Doctor Faustus and Tamburlaine the Great
M
Marlow Fictional
Other
Fictional narrator in Joseph Conrad's novella 'Heart of Darkness' (1899), one of literature's most iconic storytellers
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,318
- Total SSA Count
- 174
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mar
Marlo
Lo
Pairs Well With
Marlow James
Marlow Grace
Marlow Rose
Marlow Jane
Marlow Quinn
Marlow Jean
Marlow Reese
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Marlow is also used as a boy name, ranked #2491.
View Marlow as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Marlow
What does the name Marlow mean?
"lake remnants, from the lake land" (from Old English). Marlow is an English place name and surname derived from Old English 'mear laf' meaning 'remnants from the lake' or 'driftwood.' The Buckinghamshire town of Marlow on the Thames gave rise to the surname. As a given name, it gained attention partly through Christopher Marlowe, the Elizabethan playwright, whose surname is an alternate spelling.
What is the origin of the name Marlow?
Marlow has Old English, English, and American origins. In Old English, it means "lake remnants, from the lake land".
Is Marlow a boy or girl name?
Marlow is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1318. As a boy name, it is ranked #2491. Marlow is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Marlow?
Marlow is pronounced m-AHRL-oh.
How popular is the name Marlow?
Marlow is currently ranked #1318 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Marlow?
Common nicknames for Marlow include Mar, Marlo, and Lo.
What are good middle names for Marlow?
Popular middle name pairings include Marlow James, Marlow Grace, Marlow Rose, Marlow Jane, Marlow Quinn, Marlow Jean, and Marlow Reese.
What are good sibling names for Marlow?
Names that pair well with Marlow as siblings include Harlow, Wren, Sloane, Beckett, Piper, Emerson, River, and Scout.
How many syllables does Marlow have?
Marlow has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Marlow a common or rare name?
Marlow is an uncommon name, ranked #1318 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Marlow
Marlow is a girl name with English and American origins . The name means "lake remnants, from the lake land" in Old English .
Is Marlow a boy or girl name? Marlow is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,318 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #2,491. Marlow is more commonly used as a girl name.
Marlow is currently ranked #1,318 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Marlow has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-AHRL-oh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Marlow include Mar, Marlo, and Lo. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Marlow include Marley, Marlee, Marlowe, Marleigh, Marlene . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.