Marilyn
Pronunciation: [ m-EHR-uhl-uhn ]
Does Marilyn flow with your last name?
A distinctive boy name with a rare, memorable quality.
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
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Browse nicknames →Historical Record
Marilyn first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 380 babies have been named Marilyn in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Marilyn is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #20,482 for boy names in the US .
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →"from the alder grove"
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"field settlement"
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"Brave as a boar; strong and courageous"
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Popularity Rank
- #20,482
- Total SSA Count
- 6
Alternative Spellings
Nicknames
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Marilyn is also used as a girl name, ranked #666.
View Marilyn as a girl name →Similar Names
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View all →Old French origin
"from the alder grove"
#20,393 in US
Chinese origin
"to think, to contemplate"
#20,580 in US
Old English origin
"field settlement"
#20,522 in US
Welsh/Greek origin
"sunray, shining light"
#20,338 in US
Germanic origin
"Brave as a boar; strong and courageous"
#20,336 in US
Hebrew (via American) origin
"house of God (possible Bethel derivat..."
#20,439 in US
Old English origin
"Ford by the windy place; a river cros..."
#20,511 in US
Greek origin
"associated with Saint Spyridon, mirac..."
#20,568 in US
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Frequently Asked Questions About Marilyn
Is Marilyn a boy or girl name?
How do you pronounce Marilyn?
How popular is the name Marilyn?
What are common nicknames for Marilyn?
Is Marilyn a common or rare name?
What boy names are similar to Marilyn?
About the Name Marilyn
Marilyn is a boy name .
Is Marilyn a boy or girl name? Marilyn is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #20,482 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #666. Marilyn is more commonly used as a girl name.
Marilyn is currently ranked #20,482 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
Common nicknames for Marilyn include Mar, Mari, Mariy, Mariie, Lyn, Lyny, Lynie, May, Maie, and Markins. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Marilyn include Mario, Mariano, Marion, Marius, Marino . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
Keep Exploring
Recommended for Parents
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Free welcome box on Amazon
Baby Name Wizard
Names that actually age well
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis