Marlene vs Odessa

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Marlene

Girl #1,555 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"wished-for child"

Origin: Hebrew (via Maria)

Cultural Roots

German French American English

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,555
Total SSA Count
137
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Marle, Lena, Marli

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
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Odessa

Girl #1,586 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"city of Odysseus"

Origin: Greek

Cultural Roots

American English Eastern European

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,586
Total SSA Count
133
Syllables
3
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Dessie, Desi, Odie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Odessa →

Popularity Comparison

Marlene Rank #1,555
Odessa Rank #1,586

Marlene is more popular, ranked #1555 vs #1586 for Odessa.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Marlene ___

  • Marlene Grace
  • Marlene Louise
  • Marlene Anne
  • Marlene Claire
  • Marlene Rose
  • Marlene Jane

Odessa ___

  • Odessa Rose
  • Odessa Grace
  • Odessa Mae
  • Odessa Claire
  • Odessa June
  • Odessa Elise

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Marlene

Ingrid Gertrude Hildegard Claus Heinrich

If you choose Odessa

Penelope Calliope Cassius Leander Persephone

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 Marlene or Odessa more popular?

Marlene is more popular, ranked #1555 compared to Odessa at #1586 in the United States.

What do Marlene and Odessa mean?

Marlene means "wished-for child" (Hebrew (via Maria) origin). Odessa means "city of Odysseus" (Greek origin).

Are Marlene and Odessa boy or girl names?

Marlene is primarily a girl name. Odessa is primarily a girl name.

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← Full profile: Marlene ← Full profile: Odessa Browse all baby names