Alma vs Marilyn

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Marilyn

Girl #666 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"beloved, wished-for child (from Hebrew Miriam via Mary)"

Origin: Hebrew via Latin

Cultural Roots

American English

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#666
Total SSA Count
432
Syllables
3
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Mari, Lyn, Lynn

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Marilyn →

Popularity Comparison

Alma Rank #472
Marilyn Rank #666

Alma is more popular, ranked #472 vs #666 for Marilyn.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Alma ___

  • Alma Rose
  • Alma Jean
  • Alma Mae
  • Alma Claire
  • Alma Louise
  • Alma Frances

Marilyn ___

  • Marilyn Jane
  • Marilyn Rose
  • Marilyn Grace
  • Marilyn Ann
  • Marilyn Claire
  • Marilyn Sue

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Alma

Cora Vera Flora Hazel Nora

If you choose Marilyn

Dorothy Patricia Beverly Richard James

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Alma or Marilyn more popular?

Alma is more popular, ranked #472 compared to Marilyn at #666 in the United States.

What do Alma and Marilyn mean?

Alma means "nourishing, kind" (Latin origin). Marilyn means "beloved, wished-for child (from Hebrew Miriam via Mary)" (Hebrew via Latin origin).

Are Alma and Marilyn boy or girl names?

Alma is primarily a girl name. Marilyn is primarily a girl name.

More Comparisons

Marilyn vs Alma Alma vs Alicia Alma vs Alexandria Alma vs Gracelynn Alma vs Elowyn
← Full profile: Alma ← Full profile: Marilyn Browse all baby names