Marlowe

girlOld English

Marlowe is an girl name of Old English origin, meaning “Remnant of a lake; drained lake”.

MeaningRemnant of a lake; drained lake
GenderGirl
OriginOld English
PronunciationMAR-loh
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, United Kingdom

Meaning and origin of Marlowe

Marlowe comes from the English place-name Marlow in Buckinghamshire, from Old English mere, 'lake', and lafe, 'remains', describing land left behind where a lake had drained. The surname was made famous by the Elizabethan playwright Christopher Marlowe and by Raymond Chandler's detective Philip Marlowe. It has recently become popular for girls in the United States.

Is Marlowe a religious name?

Marlowe has no religious background; it is a place-name and surname.

How popular is Marlowe?

Rising for girls in the United States; also used for boys.

Gifts with the name Marlowe

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Spellings and variants of Marlowe

MarlowMarlo

Names similar to Marlowe

More girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Marlowe mean?

Marlowe means 'Remnant of a lake; drained lake'. It is of Old English origin.

Does Marlowe have a religious meaning?

Marlowe has no religious background; it is a place-name and surname.

How do you pronounce Marlowe?

Marlowe is pronounced MAR-loh.

Is Marlowe a boy or girl name?

Marlowe is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.