Monroe

Mouth of the Roe river — a unisex name of Scottish origin

GenderUnisex
OriginScottish
MeaningMouth of the Roe river
Pronunciationmuhn-ROH

Popularity of Monroe in the United States

#467Rank in 2025
658Births in 2025
#467 in 2025Peak Popularity
↑ Rising10-Year Trend

Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Meaning & Origin of Monroe

Monroe is a Scottish and Irish surname of Gaelic origin, derived from "Bun Rotha" meaning "mouth of the Roe river" in County Derry, Ireland, or from the Scottish Gaelic "monadh ruadh" meaning "red hill." The Monroe clan was prominent in the Scottish Highlands. The name's most famous bearer is James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States, who formulated the Monroe Doctrine. In popular culture, Marilyn Monroe transformed the surname into an icon of glamour. As a first name, Monroe has gained traction as a stylish unisex choice, evoking both presidential dignity and Hollywood allure.

Monroe Around the World

Monroe is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 1+ international variants.

Languages
English
Details

TypeMale given name

International Variants
Monro

Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.

Nicknames for Monroe

MoRoeRo

Famous People Named Monroe

  • James Monroe — fifth President of the United States
  • Marilyn Monroe — American actress and cultural icon
  • Bill Monroe — American musician known as the Father of Bluegrass

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Sibling Name Ideas for Monroe

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Monroe mean?

Monroe is a unisex name of Scottish origin meaning "Mouth of the Roe river." Monroe is a Scottish and Irish surname of Gaelic origin, derived from "Bun Rotha" meaning "mouth of the Roe river" in County Derry, Ireland, or from the Scottish Gaelic "monadh ruadh" meaning "red hill." The Monroe clan was prominent in the Scottish Highlands.

How do you pronounce Monroe?

Monroe is pronounced muhn-ROH. Common variations include Monro, Munro, Munroe.

Is Monroe a unisex name?

Yes, Monroe is traditionally a unisex name. Popular nicknames include Mo, Roe, Ro.

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