Marilyn vs Megan

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

Marilyn Rank #666
Megan Rank #761

Marilyn is more popular, ranked #666 vs #761 for Megan.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Marilyn ___

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

Megan ___

  • Megan Rose
  • Megan Anne
  • Megan Lynn
  • Megan Marie
  • Megan Elizabeth
  • Megan Grace

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Marilyn

Dorothy Patricia Beverly Richard James

If you choose Megan

Ryan Kevin Shannon Bridget Connor

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 Marilyn or Megan more popular?

Marilyn is more popular, ranked #666 compared to Megan at #761 in the United States.

What do Marilyn and Megan mean?

Marilyn means "beloved, wished-for child (from Hebrew Miriam via Mary)" (Hebrew via Latin origin). Megan means "pearl" (Greek via Welsh origin).

Are Marilyn and Megan boy or girl names?

Marilyn is primarily a girl name. Megan is primarily a girl name.

More Comparisons

Megan vs Marilyn Marilyn vs Kensley Marilyn vs Keira Marilyn vs Andi Marilyn vs Imani
← Full profile: Marilyn ← Full profile: Megan Browse all baby names