Monroe

unisexScottish Gaelic

Monroe is a unisex name of Scottish Gaelic origin, meaning “Possibly 'mouth of the Roe river'”.

MeaningPossibly 'mouth of the Roe river'
GenderUnisex
OriginScottish Gaelic
Pronunciationmun-ROH
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, United Kingdom

Meaning and origin of Monroe

Monroe is a variant of the Scottish clan name Munro. Its origin is uncertain; a traditional explanation is Gaelic bun Rotha, 'mouth of the river Roe', referring to a river in Ireland, from which the family supposedly came. James Monroe, the fifth US president, and actress Marilyn Monroe made it famous. As a first name it is used for both boys and girls, now more often for girls in the United States.

Is Monroe a religious name?

Monroe has no religious background; it is a Scottish surname used as a first name.

How popular is Monroe?

Rising in the United States, especially for girls.

Gifts with the name Monroe

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Spellings and variants of Monroe

MunroMunroeMonro

Names similar to Monroe

More unisex names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Monroe mean?

Monroe means 'Possibly 'mouth of the Roe river''. It is of Scottish Gaelic origin.

Does Monroe have a religious meaning?

Monroe has no religious background; it is a Scottish surname used as a first name.

How do you pronounce Monroe?

Monroe is pronounced mun-ROH.

Is Monroe a boy or girl name?

Monroe is used for both boys and girls.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.