Marion is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It comes from the Latin word "Maria," which means "sea of bitterness" or "rebelliousness." However, it's more commonly associated with the meaning "star of the sea," believed to be derived from the Latin phrase "stella maris."
The name Marion has been in use since medieval times. It was particularly popular among the French nobility during the Middle Ages. In fact, there were several royal figures named Marion throughout history, such as Marion de France, who was the daughter of King Louis VII of France.
In literature, Marion appears in various works including "The Man Who Would Be King" by Rudyard Kipling and "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Brontë. These appearances have helped to further popularize the name.
Today, Marion continues to be a popular choice among parents for their daughters. It has a classic and timeless appeal while also sounding modern and approachable. Overall, Marion is a name with a rich history and an appealing meaning that continues to captivate people around the world.
The name Marion experienced a significant rise and fall in popularity over the course of its recorded history. From the late 19th century until the early years of the 20th century, there was a steady increase in the number of babies named Marion, peaking at 1488 births in 1919. However, after World War I, the popularity of the name began to decline steadily. By the late 1960s, fewer than 500 babies were being named Marion each year.
In recent decades, the name has fallen even further out of favor, with fewer than 100 births per year since the early 2000s. The most recent data shows that in 2023, only 59 babies were named Marion. This dramatic decrease in popularity may indicate a shift in naming trends or simply reflect changes in societal preferences over time.