Marlowe
Marlowe is a unisex name of English origin meaning “remnants of a lake, driftwood.” It ranked #523 in the United States in 2025. An English surname derived from Old English 'mere laf,' meaning lake remnants or driftwood.
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how do you pronounce Marlowe?
MAR-loh
more about Marlowe
Playwright Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593) and detective Philip Marlowe from Raymond Chandler's novels are its most famous bearers.
how popular is this name?
Marlowe has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 7 years since 2017, and fell outside it for 2. It peaked at #523 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #523 |
| 2024 | #624 |
| 2023 | #835 |
| 2022 | #779 |
| 2021 | #896 |
| 2020 | #924 |
| 2017 | #985 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Marlowe fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Marlowe
The Elizabethan playwright Christopher Marlowe and Raymond Chandler's detective Philip Marlowe made the surname famous.
who are famous people named Marlowe?
- Christopher Marlowe (playwright)
- Philip Marlowe (Raymond Chandler's detective)
- Sienna Miller's daughter Marlowe
what names are similar to Marlowe?
what names go well with Marlowe?
Sibling names that share Marlowe's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Marlowe
What does the name Marlowe mean?
Marlowe means “remnants of a lake, driftwood”.
What is the origin of the name Marlowe?
Marlowe comes from the English naming tradition.
How popular is the name Marlowe?
Marlowe ranked #523 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data.
Is Marlowe a boy or girl name?
Marlowe is a unisex name, used for both boys and girls.
How do you pronounce Marlowe?
Marlowe is pronounced MAR-loh, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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