Marlene
How to say it: mar-LEEN · /mɑrˈlin/
German blend of Maria and Magdalene; meaning 'beloved' combined with 'of Magdala'.
Marlene was the 1,063rd most popular girls’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 177 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1930s, its births are down about 18% in ten years, and it is projected to rise to #1,040 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among girls’ names, 2025 | #1,063 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 177 |
| Share of births | 1 in 18,730 |
| Peak decade | 1930s |
| Change over 10 years | −18% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #1,040 |
| In France, 2025 | #2,541 among girls’ names, 5 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
After peaking in the 1930s, Marlene drifted far from that high. The next few years should bring a small lift.
What goes with it
Mellow and soft with liquid consonants, Marlene carries a calm air. Marilyn makes a natural companion.
Nicknames
- Marle
- Lene
- Lena
- Mar
Honouring a Marlene in the family
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Marlene is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Hebrew, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish.
In France: #2,541 for girls in 2025.
Famous people named Marlene
- Marlene Dietrich (1901–1992)German and American actress and singer
- Marlene Dumas (born 1953)South African painter and draftsperson
- Marlene Favela (born 1976)Mexican model and actress
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
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