Marilene

“A combination of Maria and Lena, meaning 'bitter' or 'sea of bitterness' for Maria and 'light' or 'bright' for Lena.”

Brazil origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#964US 2023

1.2kBirths / yr

→Stable

143All-time births

📅 Since 191900

How to pronounce Marilene

MAH·ree·LEEN

/ˈmɑ.riː.ˈliːn/ · stress on MAH · 3 syllables

“A combination of Maria and Lena, meaning 'bitter' or 'sea of bitterness' for Maria and 'light' or 'bright' for Lena.”

Brazil origin · Girl name

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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How else can you spell Marilene?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Marileen

Spelling variant

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

How popular is Marilene right now?

Holding steady — currently #964 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1930–2023#964 · Top 0.71%

1930

1935

1940

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Marilene

Best Year2023Rank #964

Peak Count1,236

Average Rank#2219

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1930 - 20236 years

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:

Mary Shirley Barbara Betty Patricia

Marilene by decade

Marilene peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →

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?

Common

MarMarieMaryEne

What names sound and feel like Marilene?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Marilene also consider these

Marigene

American · English

Marcilene

American · little warrior

Marylene

French · French

Madilene

France · A beloved name

American · derived from the

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.