Marion is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Marinus or Marianus. The name Marinus comes from the Latin word "marinus" which means "of the sea". Therefore, Marion can be translated to mean "of the sea".
The use of the name Marion dates back to ancient Rome where it was used as a masculine name. However, over time, the name became more commonly associated with females and is now predominantly used as a feminine given name.
In France, Marion was quite popular in the 19th century and has remained a popular choice for parents naming their daughters throughout the 20th century up to the present day. According to French registry statistics, Marion ranked among the top ten most popular girls' names between 1995 and 2004.
Notable individuals with the name Marion include American actress Marion Davies (1897-1961) who was known for her work in silent films during Hollywood's golden age, as well as French author Marcel Proust's character Madame Verdurin from his novel "In Search of Lost Time".
Overall, Marion is a classic and timeless feminine given name with roots in ancient Roman culture and history. Its maritime origins give it a unique and intriguing meaning that has contributed to its enduring popularity over centuries.
The name Marion experienced a significant increase in popularity during the late 19th to early 20th century, with a notable spike around the 1910s and 1920s. The peak year for Marion births was 1924, with 6047 recorded. However, there has been a consistent decline in its popularity since then, with only 124 births recorded in 2023. Overall, there were 189015 births named Marion from 1880 to 2023.