Bitter; beloved; drop of the sea
Originally a French diminutive of Marie, Marion has a complex etymology likely rooted in the Hebrew name Miryam. While it was historically used for both genders, it became a popular feminine choice in the early 20th century before falling into rarity. In the United States, it is also famously associated with the legendary actor John Wayne, whose birth name was Marion Robert Morrison.
Less common today
Marion isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #875 in 1991.
Birth name of legendary actor John Wayne
Academy Award-winning French actress
World champion track and field athlete
The protagonist of the film Psycho · Psycho
Tough heroine and love interest of Indiana Jones · Raiders of the Lost Ark
Former Mayor of Washington, D.C.
Prolific fantasy and science fiction writer
The matriarch of the Cunningham family · Happy Days
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
