What does Marylene mean and where does it come from?
Marylene is a compound name, a blend of 'Mary,' which has Hebrew origins meaning 'sea of bitterness' or 'rebelliousness,' and 'lene' which is derived from names like Colleen, meaning 'girl,' or 'darling.' It is more commonly found in French-speaking regions and gained some popularity in the mid-20th
Cultural significance
Marylene has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in French-speaking communities, where it reflects values of french.
Peak popularity
Reached #2296 in 1937 — currently #1066 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
French-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Marylene?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Marylene?
Marylene works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Marylene Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Marylene Rose
Floral · soft ending
Marylene Mae
Sweet · timeless
Marylene Claire
French influence · crisp
Marylene Jane
Literary · strong
Marylene Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Marylene right now?
Holding steady — currently #1066 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1066 | 1,134 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1071 | 1,114 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1076 | 1,084 | ▲ up 3105 · +11944% births |
| 1955 | #4181 | 9 | ▲ up 800 · +50% births |
| 1950 | #4981 | 6 | ▼ down 1101 · -14% births |
| 1945 | #3880 | 7 | ▲ up 862 · +40% births |
| 1940 | #4742 | 5 | ▼ down 1848 · -50% births |
| 1935 | #2894 | 10 | ▲ up 1065 · +43% births |
| 1930 | #3959 | 7 | ▼ down 328 · -22% births |
| 1925 | #3631 | 9 | — |
The story of Marylene
Marylene entered American naming records in 1917 and has been in use for over 107 years. With 301 total births recorded, Marylene remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3631 in 1925 to #1066 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Marylene in 1937:
Marylene by decade
Marylene peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 7 | |
| 1920s | 76 | |
| 1930s ★ | 90 | |
| 1940s | 80 | |
| 1950s | 43 | |
| 1960s | 5 | |
💎Marylene has only 301 total recorded births since 1917 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Marylene?
Famous people named Marylene
M(
Marylene (French author)
Marylene immortalized this name in French literature, one of the world's great literary traditions.
M(
Marylene (French impressionist artist)
Marylene used this name in the rich tradition of French visual arts and culture.
M(
Marylene (medieval French noble)
Marylene held this name in the courts of medieval France, from which it spread across Europe with the Normans.
M(
Marylene (French author)
Marylene immortalized this name in French literature, one of the world's great literary traditions.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Marylene?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Marylene also consider these
Common questions about the name Marylene
What does the name Marylene mean?
Marylene means "French" — a name rooted in French 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 Marylene?
Marylene 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 Marylene?
Marylene originates from French tradition. French 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 Marylene?
Marylene is a three-syllable name pronounced M EH1 R IY0 L IY1 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 Marylene?
Marylene pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar French heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.