Marlow

/MAR-loh/

English

Marlow is an English baby name pronounced /MAR-loh/. The name traditionally refers to a drift wood or a lake remains.

Meaning of Marlow

The name traditionally refers to a drift wood or a lake remains.

Derived from Old English, it is a habitational name originating from the town of Marlow in Buckinghamshire. The elements 'mere' (lake or pool) and 'lafe' (remnants or leavings) suggest a place where debris gathered by a body of water. Historically used more as a surname, it transitioned to a given name in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Origin
English
Pronunciation
/MAR-loh/

Cultural background

While historically more common as a surname, Marlow has gained traction as a modern, gender-neutral first name in English-speaking countries like the United States and the United Kingdom.

Variations & nicknames

  • Marlowe
  • Marlo
  • Marlowa
  • Marley

Famous people named Marlow

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Marlow Cook

    United States Senator from Kentucky

    Politics · 1960s-1970s

  • Marlow Morris

    American jazz pianist and organist

    Music · 1940s-1960s

  • Marlow Moss

    British constructivist artist and painter

    Art · Early 20th Century

  • Marlow Thomas

    Character in the TV series 'Station 19'

    Television · Modern

Frequently asked about Marlow

Is Marlow a boy or girl name?
Marlow is considered a unisex name, though the 'Marlowe' spelling is currently more popular for girls.
What is the difference between Marlow and Marlowe?
Marlow is the traditional topographical spelling, while Marlowe (with an 'e') is often associated with the playwright Christopher Marlowe or the fictional detective Philip Marlowe.
Is Marlow a common first name?
It is relatively rare but has seen a steady increase in use as part of the trend for surname-style first names.

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