Marilu

“beloved, sea of bitterness”

Spanish origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#6824US 2023

17Births / yr

↑Rising

2.2kAll-time births

📅 Since 191900

How to pronounce Marilu

MER·ee·loo

/ˈmɛr.iː.luː/ · stress on MER · 3 syllables

“beloved, sea of bitterness”

Spanish origin · Girl name

What does Marilu mean and where does it come from?

Marilu is a combination of the names 'Mary' and 'Lu,' often thought to be a diminutive form or a blend of these names. The name is used in various Spanish-speaking countries and has gained popularity in the United States. 'María' is a classic name in Spanish culture, and 'Lu' often hints at 'Lucia'

Cultural significance

Marilu has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of beloved, sea of bitterness.

Peak popularity

Reached #1949 in 1929 — currently #6824 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Marilu?

Marilu works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Marilu Grace

How popular is Marilu right now?

Rising fast — up 2598 spots — currently #6824 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1925–2023#6824 · Top 5.0%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#6824	17	▲ up 2598 · +55% births
2022	#9422	11	▼ down 2841 · -39% births
2021	#6581	18	▲ up 2369 · +64% births
2020	#8950	11	▼ down 907 · -21% births
2015	#8043	14	▲ up 716 · +8% births
2010	#8759	13	▼ down 4372 · -58% births
2005	#4387	31	▲ up 787 · +41% births
2000	#5174	22	▼ down 2322 · -48% births
1995	#2852	42	▼ down 500 · -21% births
1990	#2352	53	▲ up 55 · +29% births
1985	#2407	41	▲ up 549 · +37% births
1980	#2956	30	▲ up 594 · +58% births
1975	#3550	19	▼ down 577 · -17% births
1970	#2973	23	▲ up 650 · +77% births
1965	#3623	13	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Marilu

Best Year1940Rank #2020

Peak Count53

Average Rank#4432

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1925 - 202323 years

The story of Marilu

Marilu entered American naming records in 1919 and has been in use for over 105 years. With 2,200 total births recorded, Marilu remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4852 in 1925, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #6824 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Marilu in 1929:

Mary Betty Dorothy Helen Margaret

Marilu by decade

Marilu peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	5
1920s	67
1930s	116
1940s	136
1950s	196
1960s	167
1970s	225
1980s	373
1990s ★	443
2000s	282
2010s	179
2020s	11

💎With 2,200 total births, Marilu is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Marilu?

Common

MarMarieMaryIlu

Famous people named Marilu

Marilu (Latin American historical figure)

Marilu used this name across South and Central America as Spanish naming traditions spread.

Marilu (Spanish conquistador or explorer)

Marilu bore this name during the Age of Exploration, spreading it across the Americas.

Marilu (Spanish saint)

Marilu helped establish this name across the Spanish-speaking Catholic world.

Marilu (Flamenco artist)

Marilu carried this name in the vibrant tradition of Spanish music and dance.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Marilu?

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

Marylu

American · beloved

Mariluz

Spain · A beloved name

American · The sound of

Malu

Hawaii · calm, peaceful

Mayela

Spanish · A flower or

Mazola

Spanish · A sweet-scented flower,

Common questions about the name Marilu

What does the name Marilu mean?

Marilu means "beloved, sea of bitterness" — a name rooted in Spanish 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 Marilu?

Marilu is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Marilu have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Marilu?

Marilu originates from Spanish tradition. Spanish 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 Marilu?

Marilu is a three-syllable name pronounced M EH1 R IY0 L UW0. 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 Marilu?

Marilu pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Spanish heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.