The Baby Name Wizard

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Comments and insights on the name Monroe: | Edit

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Personal experiences with the name Monroe: | Edit

Our family has the tradition of naming the first son Monroe since about 1830 now. No one remembers why, which is a real shame. My father was Monroe Calvin Gollaher, son of Monroe Leonard Gollaher. I am Michael Monroe Gollaher and my eldest son is Monroe Michael Earl Gollaher. I have always really liked the name.

Nicknames for Monroe: | Edit

Roey, Mo or Moe

Meanings and history of the name Monroe: | Edit

The Gaelic moine ('marsh' or 'mossy') + ruadh ('red,' 'ruddy' sometimes 'bloody') gives a likely place name as "red marsh" or "dweller (from the) red marsh." The only problem is that the Irish naming conventions do not include place names for individuals. Gaedlig (Scottish) names do, however.
The name is often attributed to the Clann Munro (Monro), whose etymology is also confusing. The clan actually originated as mercenary fighters in Ireland at the foot of the river Roe in Derry, rendering the Gaelic 'Rothach' or 'Man from Ro.' They were obliged to relocate in Scotland anciently, where most of their history is recorded, and the surname in Gaedlig is Mac an Rothaich.
The only problem is that the Gaelic word 'roth' means 'wheel,' rendering the English translation something like "Son of the place of the wheel" or something similar (I am not a native speaker).
Aside: A munro is Scotland is any mountain over 3,000 feet high.

Famous real-life people named Monroe: | Edit

Jackson Rathbone (Twilight, Senior Skip Day), goes by his middle name. His real first name is Monroe.
James Monroe, 5th president of the U.S.

Monroe in song, story & screen: | Edit

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