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Marly

Girl name · 3 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Marly: 3 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 3 births in 2004.

Rooted in Old English and potentially also Scottish Gaelic, Marly is a diminutive of names like Marlene or Marley, carrying the earthy meaning “pleasant wood” or “clearing by the lake.” Its most famous bearer is the late Jamaican reggae icon Bob Marley, though the feminine spelling Marly feels softer and distinctly modern. The name echoes the royal nursery of Mary, Queen of Scots—her childhood home was the Palace of Holyroodhouse, set beside a marshy loch. A lesser-known connection: Marly-le-Roi near Versailles was a favourite retreat of French kings, sharing the same root. Today, Marly feels fresh and melodic, a unisex choice that pairs simplicity with a touch of nature-inspired charm.

Girl 1 of 52 years

Peak year
20043 babies
Latest (2004)
#6633 babies
Total births
3since 2004
5-year trend
≈ stablevs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2004 · 3
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).