Marlow \m(a)-rlow, mar-low\ as a boy's name (also used as girl's name Marlow), is pronounced MAR-loh. It is of Old English origin, and the meaning of Marlow is "driftwood". The original phrase literally means "lake leavings". It became the name of a place in Buckinghamshire, England, and then was used as a surname designating families from that area. Marlowe and Marley are occasionally used for girls. English playwright Christopher Marlowe.