What does Maylene mean and where does it come from?
Maylene is a modern name that can be interpreted as a combination of 'May'—derived from the name of the month, which is often associated with spring and youth—and the suffix '-lene' which adds a feminine touch. The name is particularly popular in the United States and reflects a trend of using natur
Cultural significance
Maylene has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of variation of may, meaning 'the fifth month' or 'young one'.
Peak popularity
Reached #2701 in 1937 — currently #7512 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Maylene?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Maylene?
Maylene works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Maylene Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Maylene Rose
Floral · soft ending
Maylene Mae
Sweet · timeless
Maylene Claire
French influence · crisp
Maylene Jane
Literary · strong
Maylene Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Maylene right now?
Falling — down 621 spots — currently #7512 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #7512 | 15 | ▼ down 621 · -12% births |
| 2022 | #6891 | 17 | ▲ up 1422 · +31% births |
| 2021 | #8313 | 13 | ▼ down 4244 · -62% births |
| 2020 | #4069 | 34 | ▲ up 668 · +17% births |
| 2015 | #4737 | 29 | ▲ up 258 · +4% births |
| 2010 | #4995 | 28 | ▲ up 1291 · +47% births |
| 2005 | #6286 | 19 | ▲ up 573 · +27% births |
| 2000 | #6859 | 15 | ▲ up 1124 · +50% births |
| 1990 | #7983 | 10 | ▼ down 1874 · -9% births |
| 1985 | #6109 | 11 | ▲ up 3180 · +83% births |
| 1980 | #9289 | 6 | ▼ down 2007 |
| 1970 | #7282 | 6 | ▼ down 2304 · -25% births |
| 1965 | #4978 | 8 | ▲ up 951 · +33% births |
| 1960 | #5929 | 6 | ▼ down 988 · -14% births |
| 1955 | #4941 | 7 | — |
The story of Maylene
Maylene entered American naming records in 1918 and has been in use for over 106 years. With 1,106 total births recorded, Maylene remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5516 in 1920, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #7512 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Maylene in 1937:
Maylene by decade
Maylene peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 5 | |
| 1920s | 41 | |
| 1930s | 48 | |
| 1940s | 75 | |
| 1950s | 61 | |
| 1960s | 68 | |
| 1970s | 59 | |
| 1980s | 94 | |
| 1990s | 94 | |
| 2000s | 228 | |
| 2010s ★ | 299 | |
| 2020s | 34 | |
💎With 1,106 total births, Maylene is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Maylene?
What names sound and feel like Maylene?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Maylene also consider these
Common questions about the name Maylene
What does the name Maylene mean?
Maylene means "variation of May, meaning 'the fifth month' or 'young one'" — 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 Maylene?
Maylene 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 Maylene?
Maylene 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 Maylene?
Maylene is a two-syllable name pronounced M EY1 L IY1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Maylene a common or rare name?
Maylene is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.