What does Marilene mean and where does it come from?
Marilene is a feminine given name commonly found in Portuguese-speaking countries such as Brazil and Portugal. It is often considered a modern name that has gained popularity since the mid-20th century, particularly in Brazil. Notable people with the name include Brazilian actress Marilene Saade. Th
Cultural significance
Marilene has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Brazil-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a combination of maria and lena, meaning 'bitter' or 'sea of bitterness' for maria and 'light' or 'bright' for lena..
Peak popularity
Reached #2664 in 1936 — currently #964 in the US.
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Related Reading
Brazil-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Marilene?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Marilene?
Marilene works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Marilene Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Marilene Rose
Floral · soft ending
Marilene Mae
Sweet · timeless
Marilene Claire
French influence · crisp
Marilene Jane
Literary · strong
Marilene Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Marilene right now?
Holding steady — currently #964 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #964 | 1,236 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #969 | 1,216 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #974 | 1,186 | ▲ up 2452 · +14725% births |
| 1940 | #3426 | 8 | ▼ down 58 |
| 1935 | #3368 | 8 | ▲ up 246 |
| 1930 | #3614 | 8 | — |
The story of Marilene
Marilene entered American naming records in 1919 and has been in use for over 105 years. With 143 total births recorded, Marilene remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3614 in 1930 to #964 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Marilene in 1936:
Marilene by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 5 | |
| 1920s | 6 | |
| 1930s ★ | 77 | |
| 1940s | 36 | |
| 1950s | 13 | |
| 1960s | 6 | |
💎Marilene has only 143 total recorded births since 1919 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Marilene?
What names sound and feel like Marilene?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Marilene also consider these
Common questions about the name Marilene
What does the name Marilene mean?
Marilene means "A combination of Maria and Lena, meaning 'bitter' or 'sea of bitterness' for Maria and 'light' or 'bright' for Lena." — a name rooted in Brazil tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Marilene?
Marilene is currently ranked #964 as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Marilene?
Marilene originates from Brazil tradition. Brazil names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Marilene?
Marilene is a three-syllable name pronounced M AA1 R IY0 L IY1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Marilene?
Marilene pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Brazil heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.