What does Marlis mean and where does it come from?
Marlis is a name predominantly used in Germany and is often considered a diminutive of the names Maria and Liselotte. The name became more popular in the 20th century and can be associated with a sense of independence and strength. It is relatively rare outside of German-speaking countries.
Cultural significance
Marlis has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of of the sea; sea of bitterness.
Peak popularity
Reached #1314 in 1938 — currently #1728 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Marlis?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Marlis?
Marlis works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Marlis Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Marlis Rose
Floral · soft ending
Marlis Mae
Sweet · timeless
Marlis Claire
French influence · crisp
Marlis Jane
Literary · strong
Marlis Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Marlis right now?
Holding steady — currently #1728 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1728 | 472 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1733 | 452 | ▲ up 5 · +7% births |
| 2021 | #1738 | 422 | ▲ up 4229 · +5175% births |
| 1970 | #5967 | 8 | ▼ down 1641 · -20% births |
| 1965 | #4326 | 10 | ▲ up 1615 · +67% births |
| 1960 | #5941 | 6 | ▼ down 3256 · -67% births |
| 1955 | #2685 | 18 | ▲ up 51 · +20% births |
| 1950 | #2736 | 15 | ▼ down 517 · -6% births |
| 1945 | #2219 | 16 | ▼ down 876 · -50% births |
| 1940 | #1343 | 32 | ▲ up 571 · +78% births |
| 1935 | #1914 | 18 | ▲ up 915 · +64% births |
| 1930 | #2829 | 11 | ▼ down 54 · -15% births |
| 1925 | #2775 | 13 | ▲ up 1160 · +63% births |
| 1920 | #3935 | 8 | — |
The story of Marlis
Marlis entered American naming records in 1919 and has been in use for over 105 years. With 846 total births recorded, Marlis remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3935 in 1920 to #1728 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Marlis in 1938:
Marlis by decade
Marlis peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 5 | |
| 1920s | 76 | |
| 1930s | 207 | |
| 1940s ★ | 244 | |
| 1950s | 187 | |
| 1960s | 75 | |
| 1970s | 29 | |
| 1980s | 18 | |
| 2000s | 5 | |
💎Marlis has only 846 total recorded births since 1919 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Marlis?
Famous people named Marlis
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Marlis (Scandinavian royal)
Marlis held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
M(
Marlis (German philosopher)
Marlis used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.
M(
Marlis (Scandinavian royal)
Marlis held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
M(
Marlis (Germanic saint)
Marlis spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Marlis?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Marlis also consider these
Common questions about the name Marlis
What does the name Marlis mean?
Marlis means "Of the sea; sea of bitterness" — 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 Marlis?
Marlis 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 Marlis?
Marlis 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 Marlis?
Marlis is a two-syllable name pronounced M AA1 R L IH1 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Marlis a common or rare name?
Marlis is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.