Name of the Day: Marlo

November 21

Marlo

Margaret Julia Thomas — also known as actress, producer, and social activist Marlo Thomas — was born November 21, 1937.

Marlo has won four Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy, and has been inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame.

And as a personal anecdote, Marlo’s children's entertainment project “Free to Be…You and Me” — tackling the topics of gender roles and stereotypes and celebrating individuality using poetry, songs, and sketches — was a frequent soundtrack to my family car rides growing up.

The name Marlo seems to have been invented by Thomas herself, but sound-alike names Marlow and Marlowe are legitimate surnames with the meaning “driftwood” (as seen with 16th-century poet and playwright Christopher “Kit” Marlowe.)

All three spellings feel ultra stylish for any gender, but are having the most success as girl’s names. In 2022, Marlowe was given to 363 baby girls and 33 baby boys, Marlow to 126 girls and 49 boys, and Marlo to 121 girls and 76 boys.

Arlo and Harlow are another pairing that are rising for both boys and girls.