Monroe Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Monroe come from? What does the surname Monroe mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Monroe and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Monroe Origin: What does the last name Monroe mean?
The surname Monroe, also spelled Munro, has Scottish origins dating back to the early 16th century, as per YourRoots data. In Scotland, it was closely associated with the surname Munro. The name Monroe signifies a connection to Scotland and the United Kingdom historically. Over the centuries, the surname Monroe has spread globally, with a notable increase in family records in the United States from the 17th century onwards.
YourRoots data indicates that the Monroe surname has a strong presence in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, and France. This surname's history reflects a significant shift in dispersion from Scotland to various regions worldwide, with a prominent presence in the United States today. The Monroe surname symbolizes a rich heritage that has transcended borders and continues to be prevalent in diverse cultures around the world.
Monroe Last Name History: Where did the last name Monroe come from?
Origin of Monroe Surname: Where does the last name Monroe originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Monroe first appeared in records from Scotland, United Kingdom, around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Monroe” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Monroe: What does the Monroe surname history look like in the early days?
The “Monroe” surname remained closely associated with Scotland, United Kingdom from the 16th through the 17th century. However, from the 17th century onwards, YourRoots data shows an increase in Monroe family records in the United States, indicating a shift in the surname's dispersion over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Monroe surname today?
By the 18th century, the volume of records with the Monroe surname grew significantly in the United States. By the early 19th century, it had surpassed the United Kingdom, a trend that continued into the 20th century. The “Monroe” surname remains prominent in the United States and other regions worldwide. It appears in many countries, with the highest volume of records in the United States, followed by regions like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, and France.
Explore Monroe last name heritage and Monroe surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Monroe Surame?
Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe (Norma Jeane Mortenson; June 1, 1926 – August 4, 1962) was an American actress and model known for her iconic roles as a "blonde bombshell" in the 1950s and early 1960s. She became a symbol of the era's sexual revolution and starred in popular films like "Some Like It Hot" and "The Seven Year Itch." Monroe's tragic life and mysterious death at age 36 have solidified her status as a pop culture icon and one of the greatest female screen legends of Hollywood's Golden Age.
Maika Monroe
Maika Monroe (Dillon Monroe Buckley; born May 29, 1993) is an American actress known for her roles in horror and thriller films. She rose to fame with movies like "The Guest" and "It Follows," establishing herself as a scream queen. Monroe has also appeared in action films like "Independence Day: Resurgence" and "God Is a Bullet." In addition to her film career, she was a professional kiteboarder before transitioning to acting. Monroe continues to captivate audiences with her diverse roles and talent on the big screen.
James Monroe
James Monroe (Apr 28, 1758 – Jul 4, 1831) was the fifth president of the United States, known for issuing the Monroe Doctrine to limit European colonialism in the Americas. He was a member of the Democratic-Republican Party and served as Governor of Virginia, U.S. ambassador to France and Britain, and Secretary of State and War. Monroe also played a key role in negotiating the Louisiana Purchase and the Florida territory from Spain. His presidency coincided with the "Era of Good Feelings," and he was a prominent figure in American politics during the early 19th century.
Mircea Monroe
Mircea Monroe is an American actress known for her roles in popular TV series like "Episodes," "Hart of Dixie," and "Impastor." She has also appeared in films such as "Cellular," "Just Friends," and "Magic Mike." Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Monroe's first name, Mircea, is a nod to a Romanian professor her father admired. She has been featured in Maxim and Yoga magazine and has a regular role on the Showtime series "Episodes." Monroe has been in a relationship with English comedian Stephen Merchant since 2018 and resides in Los Angeles.
Robert Monroe
Robert Allan Monroe (October 30, 1915 – March 17, 1995) was an American radio broadcasting executive known for his work on altered states of consciousness. He founded The Monroe Institute and popularized the term "out-of-body experience" through his book Journeys Out of the Body. Monroe also developed Hemi-Sync for enhanced brain performance. His company, Monroe Industries, later became The Monroe Institute, promoting research on human consciousness. Monroe's legacy continues through his daughters, Laurie Monroe and Maria Monroe Whitehead, expanding Hemi-Sync products worldwide.
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