Marley Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Marley Name Meaning

Fact: Marley can be associated with the festive season due to its connection with “A Christmas Carol.”

Continue Reading…
A Deep Dive

Marley Overview

Meaning

Marshy meadow, pleasant wood, marten wood

Gender

Girl, Gender-neutral

Origin

English

Etymology

Derived from the Old English name “Mærleah,” meaning “pleasant wood” or “meadow near a lake.”

Religion

Christianity

Pronunciation

/ˈmɑrli/

Popularity

Marley has gained popularity in the USA and UK, appealing for its musical and nature-inspired feel. In 2023, Marley ranked #215 for girls and #893 for boys in the USA.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

6 letters

Numerology

11 (Intuitive, Idealistic, Spiritual)

Name Styles

Modern, Cool, Uncommon

Associated Traits

Cheerful, free-spirited, musical
A Deep Dive

Marley Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Marlee, Marleigh, Marlie, Marlea, Marlene, Marlena

Common Nicknames

Marly, Marli, Marla, Marlee, Marsy

Diminutives

Mar, Lee, Mari, Marnie, Mars, Maz, Lemmy

Famous People

  • Bob Marley
    (Jamaican Musician)
  • Ziggy Marley
    (Jamaican Musician)
  • Marley Shelton
    (American Actress)
  • Marley Dias
    (American Activist)
  • Marley Matlin
    (American Actress)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Marley
    ("Marley & Me," Film)
  • Jacob Marley
    ("A Christmas Carol," Novel)
  • Marley Rose
    ("Glee," TV Series)
  • "Marley"
    (Documentary)
  • Marley Kelly
    ("The Kellys," TV Series)

Places

  • Marley Park
    (Arizona, USA)
  • Marley Hill Village
    (County Durham, England)
  • Marley Beach
    (Bermuda)
  • Marley Park
    (Dublin, Ireland)
  • Marley Common
    (West Sussex, England)

What Is the Meaning of Marley?

Marley typically means “pleasant seaside meadow.” People with this name often have a calm, serene personality.

What Is the Origin of The Name Marley?

Marley has Old English roots, derived from the words “marten” and “leah,” meaning a meadow by the sea. This name developed from locations in England known for their scenic landscapes.

Marley Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Marley in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#2152021#2762022#2832023
Top 3 Rankings#1452008#1492009#2032014

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Marley

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023283
(-7 from 2022)
1104
(-35 from 2022)
0.06311
2022276
(-61 from 2021)
1139
(-238 from 2021)
0.06352
2021215
(-4 from 2020)
1377
(+11 from 2020)
0.07686
2020211
(+22 from 2019)
1366
(+31 from 2019)
0.07728
2019233
(-11 from 2018)
1335
(-81 from 2018)
0.07276
2018222
(-13 from 2017)
1416
(-59 from 2017)
0.07614
2017209
(+6 from 2016)
1475
(-24 from 2016)
0.07808
2016215
(+3 from 2015)
1499
No change from 2015
0.07743
2015218
(-15 from 2014)
1499
(-150 from 2014)
0.07684
2014203
(+7 from 2013)
1649
(+117 from 2013)
0.08429
2013210
(+50 from 2012)
1532
(+291 from 2012)
0.07947
2012260
(-2 from 2011)
1241
(+4 from 2011)
0.06399
2011258
(-24 from 2010)
1237
(-107 from 2010)
0.06384
2010234
(-85 from 2009)
1344
(-827 from 2009)
0.06855
2009149
(-4 from 2008)
2171
(-187 from 2008)
0.10721
2008145
(+245 from 2007)
2358
(+1519 from 2007)
0.11321
2007390
(+25 from 2006)
839
(+73 from 2006)
0.03964
2006415
(+57 from 2005)
766
(+115 from 2005)
0.03664
2005472
(+43 from 2004)
651
(+95 from 2004)
0.03208
2004515
(+59 from 2003)
556
(+70 from 2003)
0.02755
2003574
(+56 from 2002)
486
(+82 from 2002)
0.02422
2002630
(-34 from 2001)
404
(-19 from 2001)
0.02046
2001596
(+99 from 2000)
423
(+86 from 2000)
0.02135
2000695
(+19 from 1999)
337
(+20 from 1999)
0.01689
1999714
(+38 from 1998)
317
(+30 from 1998)
0.01628
1998752
(+139 from 1997)
287
(+61 from 1997)
0.01481
1997891
(-34 from 1996)
226
(-7 from 1996)
0.01184
1996857
(+45 from 1995)
233
(+23 from 1995)
0.01215
1995902
(-4 from 1994)
210
(-4 from 1994)
0.01093
1994898
(+150 from 1993)
214
(+39 from 1993)
0.01098
19931048
(+101 from 1992)
175
(+22 from 1992)
0.00888
19921149
(+99 from 1991)
153
(+18 from 1991)
0.00763
19911248
(+485 from 1990)
135
(+51 from 1990)
0.00664
19901733
(-159 from 1989)
84
(-5 from 1989)
0.00409
19891574
(+113 from 1988)
89
(+13 from 1988)
0.00447
19881687
(+124 from 1987)
76
(+12 from 1987)
0.00395
19871811
(-11 from 1986)
64
(+1 from 1986)
0.00341
19861800
(-355 from 1985)
63
(-23 from 1985)
0.00341
19851445
(+1337 from 1984)
86
(+54 from 1984)
0.00466
19842782
(+1 from 1983)
32
(+1 from 1983)
0.00177
19832783
(+560 from 1982)
31
(+6 from 1982)
0.00173
19823343
(+818 from 1981)
25
(+7 from 1981)
0.00138
19814161
(+1083 from 1980)
18
(+5 from 1980)
0.00101
19805244
(-404 from 1979)
13
(-1 from 1979)
0.00073
19794840
(-385 from 1978)
14
(-1 from 1978)
0.00081
19784455
(-694 from 1977)
15
(-4 from 1977)
0.00091
19773761
(+3536 from 1976)
19
(+12 from 1976)
0.00116
19767297
(-2443 from 1975)
7
(-5 from 1975)
0.00045
19754854
(-815 from 1974)
12
(-3 from 1974)
0.00077
19744039
(+547 from 1973)
15
(+3 from 1973)
0.00096
19734586
(+206 from 1972)
12
(+1 from 1972)
0.00077
19724792
(+19 from 1971)
11
No change from 1971
0.00068
19714811
(+1006 from 1970)
11
(+3 from 1970)
0.00063
19705817
(-1094 from 1969)
8
(-2 from 1969)
0.00044
19694723
(+2292 from 1968)
10
(+5 from 1968)
0.00057
19687015
(-1560 from 1967)
5
(-2 from 1967)
0.00029
19675455
(-589 from 1966)
7
(-1 from 1966)
0.00041
19664866
(+1673 from 1965)
8
(+3 from 1965)
0.00046
19656539
(-682 from 1962)
5
(-1 from 1962)
0.00027
19640
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19630
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19625857
(-827 from 1959)
6
(-1 from 1959)
0.00030
19610
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19600
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19595030
(-112 from 1957)
7
No change from 1957
0.00034
19580
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19574918
(+910 from 1955)
7
(+2 from 1955)
0.00033
19560
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19555828
(-787 from 1953)
5
(-1 from 1953)
0.00025
19540
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19535041
(-656 from 1951)
6
(-1 from 1951)
0.00031
19520
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19514385
(+353 from 1950)
7
(+1 from 1950)
0.00038
19504738
(-503 from 1949)
6
(-1 from 1949)
0.00034
19494235
(+1009 from 1948)
7
(+2 from 1948)
0.00040
19485244
(-827 from 1946)
5
(-1 from 1946)
0.00029
19470
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19464417
(-570 from 1938)
6
No change from 1938
0.00037
19450
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19440
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19430
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19420
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19410
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19400
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19390
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19383847
(-47 from 1937)
6
No change from 1937
0.00053
19373800
First SSA data recorded
6
First SSA data recorded
0.00054
19360
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19350
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19340
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19330
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19320
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19310
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19300
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19290
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19280
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19270
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19260
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19250
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19240
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19230
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19220
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19210
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19200
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19190
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19180
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19170
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19160
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19150
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19140
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19130
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19120
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19110
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19100
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19090
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19080
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19070
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19060
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19040
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19030
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19000
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18990
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18980
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18970
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18960
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18930
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18890
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Marley

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#2872021#3122022#5202023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#2932021#3682022#4702023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#2002021#2922022#3412023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#1592021#2222022#2822023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#3262021#3512022#3512023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#2222021#2602022#2932023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#2482021#3272022#2782023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#2162021#2092022#2632023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#1772021#1722022#2382023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#2072021#4102022#3082023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#2062021#2152022#1802023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#1922021#3242022#1962023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#2622021#1902022#1942023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#1862021#1922022#1282023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#2052021#2412022#2772023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#2502021#3472022#3012023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#3102021#2152022#1392023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#1952021#3492022#2612023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#1952021#3072022#1912023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#1892021#3302022#2022023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#1492021#2722022#2972023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#2442021#4272022#4842023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#1642021#1632022#1812023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#2412021#1702022#1032023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#2092021#1652022#3042023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#2092021#2532022#2942023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#2722021#2692022#2242023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#1812021#2752022#3222023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#2812021#2522022#2672023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#2522021#4332022#3012023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#1252021#4702022#2852023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#2422021#3032022#2552023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#1392021#1772022#2842023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#3732021#4262022#2652023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#2522021#3052022#4072023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#2132021#3942022#2682023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#3642021#1272022#2172023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#3392020#2322021#3092023

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#2462017#1392018#1962019

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#3792020#1432021#2982023

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#1812018#1782019#1272023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#1942021#1512022#1092023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#1702018#2552021#1792022

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#2442016#2262017#1552020

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#2422018#1542020#2172023

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#2092017#1772019#2382021

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#1362019#1272021#2092022

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#2142010#1252014#2062016

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#512009#922015#1002018

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#1542008#1792017#1782021

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#872008#1202015#1052016

Popularity Rankings for Marley in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#902021#1462022#962023

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#1912021#2382022#2362023

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#3642021#3962022#3012023

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#3362018#8342020#3902021

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#3732019#3542020#3482021

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#4402016#4322017#3502021

Popularity in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico flagPuerto Rico#4442011

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#7012013#7902016#5422020

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden flagSweden#5862022

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Marley a Name for Boys or Girls?

The name Marley fits well for both boys and girls because of its soft yet strong sound, making it a favorite choice for many parents.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Marley

Marley in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Bob Marley (Musician, 1945–1981): A legendary Jamaican musician and songwriter who popularized reggae music globally.
  • Ziggy Marley (Musician, born 1968): A Jamaican musician and son of Bob Marley, who has continued his father's musical legacy.
  • Marley Shelton (Actress, born 1974): An American actress who has appeared in films like "Sin City" and "Pleasantville."
  • Marley Dias (Activist, born 2005): An American activist who launched the #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign to promote diversity in children's literature.
  • Marley Matlin (Actress, born 1965): An American actress and author who won an Academy Award for her performance in "Children of a Lesser God."
  • Marley Marl (Music Producer, born 1962): An American DJ and producer credited with pioneering hip hop music in the 1980s.
  • Damian Marley (Musician, born 1978): A Jamaican musician and son of Bob Marley, acclaimed for his solo career in reggae and hip hop.
  • Marley ("Marley & Me," 2008 Film): A heartwarming story about the life and adventures of a lovable Labrador retriever and his family.
  • Jacob Marley ("A Christmas Carol," 1843 Novel): The ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge's former business partner who warns him to change his ways.
  • Marley Rose ("Glee," 2009 TV Series): A talented and determined student at McKinley High School with dreams of becoming a singer.
  • "Marley" (2012 Documentary): A film documenting the life and legacy of reggae legend Bob Marley.
  • Marley Kelly ("The Kellys," 2018 TV Series): The youngest member of the Kelly family who often finds herself in amusing predicaments.
  • Marley Dias ("Marley Dias Gets It Done," 2018 Book): Chronicles the inspiring story of a young girl who started the #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign.
  • "Marley's Ghost" (1995 Comic Series): A graphic novel adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale focusing on the ghostly visitations.
  • Marley Park (Arizona, USA): A large community park in Surprise, Arizona, featuring sports fields and a swimming pool.
  • Marley Hill Village (County Durham, England): A small village in northeast England with a rich coal mining history.
  • Marley River (Suffolk, England): A river flowing through the county of Suffolk, known for its serene landscapes and wildlife.
  • Marley Beach (Bermuda): A beautiful beach located on the southern shore of Bermuda, popular for its clear waters and sandy shores.
  • Marley Park (Dublin, Ireland): A public park in Rathfarnham, Dublin, offering extensive gardens, playgrounds, and outdoor events.
  • Marley Green (Hampshire, England): A hamlet in Hampshire with picturesque rural scenery.
  • Marley Common (West Sussex, England): A large area of heathland and woodland in the South Downs National Park.

Similar Names to Marley

Sibling Names for Marley

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Helen Doanna

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

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Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

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1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Literature and Journalism
  • Focus: In-depth knowledge of Literature, knowledge and skills to perceive, create literature or work in related fields; Basic knowledge of communications.

2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
  • Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Human Development and Family Sciences – Child Development
  • Focus: Different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood; Develop a strong foundation for a career in early childhood programs or classrooms; Learn strategies for supporting young children’s development in early childhood settings.
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Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

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