Monroe is a given name of English origin, derived from the surname Monroe, which is of Scottish or Irish descent. The surname is believed to have originated from the Gaelic word "Munro," meaning "from the mouth of the Roe" in reference to the River Roe in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
The name Monroe has been popular among Americans for several decades, with its peak usage occurring in the mid-20th century. It gained significant attention when Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson, adopted it as her stage name and became one of Hollywood's most iconic actresses during the 1950s and 1960s.
However, the popularity of the name Monroe is not solely attributed to its famous bearer. The name has also been popular among parents who appreciate its strong, unisex appeal and its historical significance as a place name in American history, such as the U.S. state capital named after James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States.
In recent years, the name Monroe has seen a resurgence in popularity among both boys and girls. According to the Social Security Administration, it ranked 748th for boys' names and 319th for girls' names in the United States in 2020.
Overall, the name Monroe is of Scottish or Irish origin and means "from the mouth of the Roe." It has gained popularity over time due to its unisex appeal, historical significance, and association with famous figures such as Marilyn Monroe.
"The name Monroe experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century and a half. It peaked during World War I, with over 300 births annually between 1914 and 1921. However, it sharply declined afterwards, reaching as low as 21 births in 2004. Recently, there's been a resurgence, with over 100 births recorded annually since 2012."