Marilynne
Of the sea; bitter — Associated with Marilyn Monroe
American origin · Girl name
3% boys97% girls
#1981US 2023
219Births / yr
Stable
968All-time births
📅 Since 192100
How to pronounce Marilynne
MAH·ree·LIN
/ˈmɑ.riː.ˈlɪn/ · stress on MAH · 3 syllables
Of the sea; bitter
Associated with Marilyn Monroe · American origin

What does Marilynne mean and where does it come from?

Marilynne is a variation of the name Marilyn, which combines elements of Mary (meaning 'bitterness') and Lin (meaning 'lake' or 'sea'). The name became popular in the 20th century and is particularly associated with Marilyn Monroe, a famous American actress and cultural icon. The name signifies a bl

Cultural significance
Marilynne has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of of the sea; bitter.
Peak popularity
Reached #1143 in 1946 — currently #1981 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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What middle names flow best with Marilynne?

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

Marilynne Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Marilynne Rose
Floral · soft ending
Marilynne Mae
Sweet · timeless
Marilynne Claire
French influence · crisp
Marilynne Jane
Literary · strong
Marilynne Skye
Modern · airy feel
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Marilynne
Browse ideas →

How popular is Marilynne right now?

Holding steady — currently #1981 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 19252023#1981 · Top 1.5%
1925
1930
1935
1940
1945
1950
1955
1960
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#1981219▲ up 5 · +10% births
2022#1986199▲ up 5 · +18% births
2021#1991169▲ up 1800 · +1308% births
1960#379112▲ up 132 · +20% births
1955#392310▼ down 2210 · -68% births
1950#171331▼ down 468 · -26% births
1945#124542▲ up 265 · +56% births
1940#151027▲ up 147 · +23% births
1935#165722▲ up 362 · +22% births
1930#201918▲ up 263 · +6% births
1925#228217

The story of Marilynne

Marilynne entered American naming records in 1921 and has been in use for over 103 years. With 968 total births recorded, Marilynne remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2282 in 1925 to #1981 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Marilynne in 1946:

Marilynne by decade

Marilynne peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →

DecadeBirths
1920s134
1930s228
1940s375
1950s179
1960s47
2010s5
💎Marilynne has only 968 total recorded births since 1921 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Marilynne?

Common
MarMarieMaryIlynne

Common questions about the name Marilynne

What does the name Marilynne mean?
Marilynne means "Of the sea; bitter" — a name rooted in American 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 Marilynne?
Marilynne is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Marilynne?
Marilynne originates from American tradition. American 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 Marilynne?
Marilynne is a three-syllable name pronounced M AA1 R IY0 L IH1 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 Marilynne?
Marilynne pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.