Is Marian a boy's or girl's name?

Marian is primarily a girl's name. It is also used as a boy's name, with 1,351 recorded births.

When was Marian most popular?

Marian reached its peak popularity in 1924 with 4,197 births that year. It is currently ranked #1151 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Marian?

Marian is currently ranked #1151 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 141,726 babies since 1880.

Marian

An uncommon Hebrew pick — distinctive and rare.

Girl's name| Also boysHebrewRising fast Also a pet name

#1151▲ 5in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A female given name from Hebrew.

Marian is a girl's and boy's baby name of Hebrew origin, a medieval blend of Mary and Anne — both rooted in Hebrew, with Mary meaning 'beloved' and Anne (Hannah) meaning 'grace.' Together they create a name of layered heritage.

Maid Marian, the legendary companion of Robin Hood, gave this name a romantic, adventurous spirit. Marian the Librarian in The Music Man added bookish, warm-hearted charm. It was most popular in the U.S. in the early to mid-20th century and appeals to parents who love the similar Marion but want the softer -an ending.

Compare Marian with another name

Popularity Over Time

Marian has 145+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1880.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Marian
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	970	#1220	▼
2010s	1,925	#1256	—
2000s	2,070	#1146	▲
1990s	1,770	#1079	▼
1980s	1,989	#838	▼
1970s	2,481	#667	▼
1960s	6,768	#380	▼
1950s	15,340	#218	—
1940s	16,041	#163	▼
1930s	23,906	#104	▼
1920s	38,978	#70	▲
1910s	22,158	#88	▲
1900s	4,531	#136	▲
1890s	2,168	#188	▲
1880s	631	#250	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(145 years, 1880–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Marian
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	209	#1151	-1 (-0.5%)
2023	210	#1156	-4 (-1.9%)
2022	214	#1141	+41 (23.7%)
2021	173	#1309	+9 (5.5%)
2020	164	#1345	-26 (-13.7%)
2019	190	#1237	-7 (-3.6%)
2018	197	#1205	+7 (3.7%)
2017	190	#1248	-13 (-6.4%)
2016	203	#1215	-33 (-14.0%)
2015	236	#1100	+45 (23.6%)
2014	191	#1264	+19 (11.0%)
2013	172	#1356	-13 (-7.0%)
2012	185	#1289	+34 (22.5%)
2011	151	#1486	-59 (-28.1%)
2010	210	#1159	+41 (24.3%)
2009	169	#1402	-25 (-12.9%)
2008	194	#1284	+12 (6.6%)
2007	182	#1339	-20 (-9.9%)
2006	202	#1202	-2 (-1.0%)
2005	204	#1144	-4 (-1.9%)

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Marian as a Boy's Name

While overwhelmingly a girl's name, Marian has also been given to 1,351 boys in the U.S. since 1881.

Unranked

Current rank

1,351

Total births

1926

Peak year

Compare Marian as girl vs boy

Frequently Asked

Can Marian be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Marian is used for both boys and girls. As a girl's name, it currently ranks #1151. As a boy's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Marian has two lives

Marian, the baby name

#1151girls

141,726 babies

Currently viewing

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1880–2024) · Methodology