Marilyn: Name Meaning, Origin, and Popularity

Pronunciation: ma-hre-e-le-e
Origin: United Kingdom
gender-female

Emmy Samtani

Emmy Samtani

Emmy is the founder of Kiindred and mother to 3 little ones. Over the last 4 years, she has worked with some of the most credible experts in the parenting space and is a keen contributor on all things parenthood.
Updated on Aug 14, 2024 · 2 mins read
Region Origin: Western Europe
Meaning: Star of the sea

The name Marilyn is a beautiful combination of the names Marie and Lynn, and it has several divine meanings, including "star of the sea," "drop of the sea," and "beloved lake". It is of British origin and has been popular in various forms across different languages and cultures. Marilyn is also associated with the Hebrew word for "bitter" and the Egyptian word for "beloved". In Anglo-Saxon, the name means "tempestuous sea". The name Marilyn gained widespread recognition and popularity due to the fame of actress, singer, and model Marilyn Monroe. Born as Norma Jean Mortenson, she adopted the name Marilyn to become a Hollywood starlet. The name's popularity peaked between 1922 and 1967, with 1937 recording the highest number of babies named Marilyn at 9,738. Despite its rare status in recent times, the name Marilyn remains a timeless and iconic choice for parents who admire its rich history, varied meanings, and association with the legendary Marilyn Monroe.

Marilyn Name Popularity Data

chat-overall Marilyn is currently #676 in the popularity of the name rankings.
gender-female Girl: Marilyn is currently #364 on Kiindred Girl Names
gender-male Overall Unique: Marilyn is currently #667 on Kiindred Unique Names
gender-female Girl Unique: Marilyn is currently #362 on Kiindred Girl Unique Names

Popularity Trend Chart

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Parents who like the name Marilyn often have similar name preferences and tend to choose popular choices like:

Famous People Named Marilyn

This section lists notable individuals and public figures named Marilyn, showcasing their achievements and contributions in various fields.

  • Marilyn Monroe: Marilyn Monroe was an American actress, model, and singer known for her roles in films such as "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," "Some Like It Hot," and "The Seven Year Itch." She passed away in 1962.
  • Marilyn Manson: Marilyn Manson is an American singer, songwriter, and actor known for his controversial stage persona and music, including hits like "The Beautiful People" and "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)."
  • Marilyn vos Savant: Marilyn vos Savant is an American magazine columnist, author, and playwright known for her "Ask Marilyn" column in Parade magazine, where she answers questions on various subjects.
  • Marilyn Horne: Marilyn Horne is an American operatic mezzo-soprano known for her powerful voice and interpretations of bel canto repertoire.

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