Marlise

“pledged to God”

Germanic origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#16657US 2020

5Births / yr

↓Falling

364All-time births

📅 Since 194400

How to pronounce Marlise

MAH·RLEYEZ

/ˈmɑ.ˈrlaɪz/ · stress on MAH · 2 syllables

“pledged to God”

Germanic origin · Girl name

What does Marlise mean and where does it come from?

Marlise is a feminine name that combines the elements 'Mar' (sea) and 'Lise' (a variation of Elizabeth, meaning 'pledged to God'). It is prevalent in German-speaking and Dutch-speaking countries. The name conveys a sense of beauty and serenity, like the sea. Variants of the name include Marlise, Mar

Cultural significance

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

Peak popularity

Reached #3240 in 1962 — currently #16657 in the US.

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How else can you spell Marlise?

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

Marlies

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Marlise?

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

Marlise Grace

How popular is Marlise right now?

Falling — down 1832 spots — currently #16657 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1950–2020#16657 · Top 12%

1950

1955

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

2000

2020

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2020	#15257	5	▼ down 1832 · -17% births
2000	#13425	6	▼ down 3983 · -25% births
1990	#9442	8	▼ down 886 · +14% births
1985	#8556	7	▼ down 2502 · -36% births
1980	#6054	11	▲ up 656 · +38% births
1975	#6710	8	▼ down 2758 · -47% births
1970	#3952	15	▲ up 144 · +36% births
1965	#4096	11	▼ down 553 · -8% births
1955	#3543	12	▲ up 1644 · +100% births
1950	#5187	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Marlise

Best Year1955Rank #3543

Peak Count15

Average Rank#7622

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1950 - 202010 years

The story of Marlise

Marlise entered American naming records in 1944 and has been in use for over 80 years. With 364 total births recorded, Marlise remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5187 in 1950, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #15257 in 2020.

Names that peaked alongside Marlise in 1962:

Lisa Mary Susan Karen Linda

Marlise by decade

Marlise peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →

Decade	Births
1940s	15
1950s	49
1960s ★	90
1970s	71
1980s	71
1990s	29
2000s	29
2010s	5
2020s	5

💎Marlise has only 364 total recorded births since 1944 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Marlise?

Common

MarMaIse

Famous people named Marlise

Marlise (Norse explorer)

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

Marlise (Germanic saint)

Marlise spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.

Marlise (medieval German ruler)

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

Marlise (Norse explorer)

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

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What names sound and feel like Marlise?

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

Germanic · A combination of

American · A modern invented

Maise

Ireland · Pearl

Common questions about the name Marlise

What does the name Marlise mean?

Marlise means "German" — 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 Marlise?

Marlise 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 Marlise?

Marlise 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 Marlise?

Marlise is a two-syllable name pronounced M AA1 R L AY1 Z. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Marlise a common or rare name?

Marlise is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.