Marlena

“Little star”

Germanic origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#3123US 2023

53Births / yr

↓Falling

11kAll-time births

📅 Since 192500.03% of births at peak

How to pronounce Marlena

mah·RLAY·nuh

/mɑ.ˈrleɪ.nə/ · stress on RLAY · 3 syllables

“Little star”

Germanic origin · Girl name

What does Marlena mean and where does it come from?

Marlena is a name that has German and Polish roots, and its popularity surged in the 20th century, particularly in the United States. The name is often seen as a diminutive or variation of Marlene, which combines 'Maria' and 'Magdalena.' Its association with 'little star' invokes themes of light and

Cultural significance

Marlena has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of little star.

Peak popularity

Reached #430 in 1978 — currently #3123 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Marlena?

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

Marlena Grace

How popular is Marlena right now?

Falling — down 501 spots — currently #3123 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1925–2023#3123 · Top 2.3%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#3123	53	▼ down 501 · -21% births
2022	#2622	67	▲ up 359 · +20% births
2021	#2981	56	▼ down 552 · -21% births
2020	#2429	71	▲ up 47 · -3% births
2015	#2476	73	▲ up 60 · +1% births
2010	#2536	72	▼ down 897 · -41% births
2005	#1639	122	▼ down 382 · -22% births
2000	#1257	156	▼ down 257 · -17% births
1995	#1000	188	▼ down 34 · -3% births
1990	#966	194	▼ down 215 · -16% births
1985	#751	231	▼ down 141 · -23% births
1980	#610	301	▲ up 330 · +123% births
1975	#940	135	▲ up 54 · +7% births
1970	#994	126	▲ up 66 · +29% births
1965	#1060	98	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Marlena

Best Year1980Rank #610

Peak Count301

Average Rank#1869

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1925 - 202322 years

The story of Marlena

Marlena entered American naming records in 1925 and has been in use for over 99 years. A total of 11,035 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5718 in 1925 to #3123 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Marlena in 1978:

Jennifer Melissa Jessica Amy Heather

Marlena by decade

Marlena peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →

Decade	Births
1920s	5
1930s	134
1940s	385
1950s	732
1960s	995
1970s	2,161
1980s ★	2,425
1990s	2,167
2000s	1,173
2010s	787
2020s	71

What are good nicknames for Marlena?

ENGLISH

Marla

GERMAN

LeneMaria

Famous people named Marlena

Marlena (medieval German ruler)

Marlena bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.

Marlena (Norse explorer)

Marlena carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.

Marlena (German philosopher)

Marlena used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.

Marlena (Scandinavian royal)

Marlena held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Marlena?

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

Marzena

Poland · Slavic

Mardena

American · a woman of

Marvena

American · a name derived

Maylena

Slavic regions · derived from 'Maya',

Italy · derived from 'Maddalena',

Karlena

American · A combination of

How is Marlena written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Marlena

What does the name Marlena mean?

Marlena means "Little star" — a name rooted in Germanic 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 Marlena?

Marlena is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Marlena?

Marlena originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic 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 Marlena?

Marlena is a three-syllable name pronounced M AA0 R L EY1 N AH0. 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 Marlena?

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