Proper noun

1. , a diminutive of Marie used in English since the Middle Ages.
3. , transferred use of the surname, or by folk etymology seen as a masculine form of Mary.

Quotations

• 1857 Charles Dickens: The Perils of Certain English Prisoners. Christmas number 1857 of Household Words:

  - - - it was no news to hear from Mrs. Beltott that his sister, the beautiful young unmarried English lady, was Miss Maryon. The novelty was, that her Christian name was Marion too. Marion Maryon. Many a time I have run off those two names in my thoughts, like a bit of verse. O many, and many, and many, a time.

• 1998 Jane Adams: Fade to Grey: page 132:

  "And the name was Marion. Not Mary or Marie or anything similar? You're absolutely certain about that?"

  Stacey nodded. "It's not a common name," she said. "I mean I know two Maries and even a Mary though she's older than me. But Marion. I don't think I've ever met a Marion. So I know I've got it right."

• 2002 Annie Proulx: That Old Ace in the Hole ISBN 0-00-715151-9 page 81:

  "I spose you want to be a cattleboy," drawled the multicolored beard whose name was Carrol Day, a curiously feminine name, thought Martin, not yet acquaintanced with the bearded Marions, Fannys and Abbys of Texas who, saddled by their unthinking mothers with dainty names, built savagely masculine frames of character.

Proper noun

1. , a diminutive of Marie.