Monroe

Pronunciation: [ m-uhnr-OH ]

Boy Name #1,282 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A presidential Scottish surname name with unexpected star power

Scottish Irish American

Vintage Bold Sophisticated Unique

Meaning & Origin

"from the mouth of the Roe river"

Origin: Scottish Gaelic

Language: English

"red river settlement"

Origin: Gaelic

Language: Irish

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.

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

Famous People Named Monroe

Marilyn Monroe

Actor

1926

American actress and cultural icon known for Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Some Like It Hot

James Monroe

Politician

1758

Fifth President of the United States and author of the Monroe Doctrine

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

Pairs Well With

Monroe James Monroe Lee Monroe Elliott Monroe Whitman Monroe Grant Monroe Reid Monroe Fox

Sibling Names

Lennon Jagger Bowie Hendrix Marlowe Presley Lennox

Also a Girl Name

Monroe is also used as a girl name, ranked #571.

View Monroe as a girl name →

Similar Names

Ambrose Melrose Rowe Marlowe Monroe Beau

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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 and Mo.

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.