"from the mouth of the Roe river"
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Language: English
Monroe
Pronunciation: [ m-uhnr-OH ]
Does Monroe flow with your last name?
A presidential Scottish surname name with unexpected star power
Scottish
Irish
American
Vintage
Bold
Sophisticated
Unique
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Monroe
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"red river settlement"
Origin: Gaelic
Language: Irish
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with Marilyn Monroe, which can read as feminine
The Story of Monroe
Monroe is a Scottish and Irish surname derived from a place name meaning mouth of the Roe river, from the Gaelic word rua (red) or roe (river in Ireland). The Monroe family was a prominent Scottish clan whose most famous American member, President James Monroe, gave the name lasting prestige. As a first name, Monroe has become fashionable for both boys and girls.
Monroe saw a spike in use as a first name in the early 2000s partly due to celebrity parents choosing it (Mariah Carey named her daughter Monroe in 2011). For boys, it appeals as an unusual presidential surname choice distinct from common choices like Lincoln or Jackson.
James Monroe, the fifth US President, authored the Monroe Doctrine (1823), which became a cornerstone of American foreign policy. The name carries both presidential gravitas and the glamour of Marilyn Monroe, creating an interesting cultural duality.
Historical Record
Monroe first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 5,366 babies have been named Monroe in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Monroe is past its peak , currently ranked #1,282 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- President James Monroe was the last Founding Father to serve as US President and the last to wear a powdered wig
- Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortenson and adopted Monroe as a stage surname
Monroe in Other Languages
Irish
Munroe
French
Monroe
Spanish
Monroe
Scottish Gaelic
Moireach
Popularity Over Time
#1,282
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1952
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Monroe
M
Marilyn Monroe
Actor
1926
American actress and cultural icon known for Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Some Like It Hot
J
James Monroe
Politician
1758
Fifth President of the United States and author of the Monroe Doctrine
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,282
- Total SSA Count
- 153
- Cultural Origins
- Scottish Irish American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Roe
Mo
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, Scottish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, Irish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Monroe
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Monroe is also used as a girl name, ranked #571.
View Monroe as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Monroe
What does the name Monroe mean?
"from the mouth of the Roe river" (from Scottish Gaelic). "red river settlement" (from Gaelic). Monroe is a Scottish and Irish surname derived from a place name meaning mouth of the Roe river, from the Gaelic word rua (red) or roe (river in Ireland). The Monroe family was a prominent Scottish clan whose most famous American member, President James Monroe, gave the name lasting prestige. As a first name, Monroe has become fashionable for both boys and girls.
What is the origin of the name Monroe?
Monroe has Scottish Gaelic, Gaelic, Scottish, Irish, and American origins. In Scottish Gaelic, it means "from the mouth of the Roe river". In Gaelic, it means "red river settlement".
Is Monroe a boy or girl name?
Monroe is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1282. As a girl name, it is ranked #571. Monroe is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Monroe?
Monroe is pronounced m-uhnr-OH.
How popular is the name Monroe?
Monroe is currently ranked #1282 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Monroe?
Common nicknames for Monroe include Roe.
What are good middle names for Monroe?
Popular middle name pairings include Monroe James, Monroe Lee, Monroe Elliott, Monroe Whitman, Monroe Grant, Monroe Reid, and Monroe Fox.
What are good sibling names for Monroe?
Names that pair well with Monroe as siblings include Lennon, Jagger, Bowie, Hendrix, Marlowe, Presley, and Lennox.
How many syllables does Monroe have?
Monroe has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Monroe a common or rare name?
Monroe is an uncommon name, ranked #1282 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Monroe
Monroe is a boy name with Scottish, Irish, and American origins . The name means "from the mouth of the Roe river" in Scottish Gaelic .
Is Monroe a boy or girl name? Monroe is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,282 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #571. Monroe is more commonly used as a girl name.
Monroe is currently ranked #1,282 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Monroe has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-uhnr-OH, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Monroe include Roe and Mo. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis