"beloved, wished-for child (from Hebrew Miriam via Mary)"
Origin: Hebrew via Latin
Language: English
Marilyn
Pronunciation: [ m-EHR-uhl-uhn ]
Does Marilyn flow with your last name?
Classic Hollywood glamour — the name Monroe made immortal
American
English
Vintage
Classic
Glamorous
Elegant
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Meaning & Origin
"lake, waterfall (from Lynn)"
Origin: Old English/Welsh
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Overwhelmingly associated with Marilyn Monroe — a positive cultural association for many parents, but one that will accompany the child through life
The Story of Marilyn
Marilyn is an English name created as a blend of Mary and Lynn. Mary derives from the Hebrew Miriam, meaning beloved or wished-for child. Lynn comes from Old English or Welsh, meaning lake or waterfall. The combination was first recorded in the late 19th century and grew popular in the early 20th century before being immortalized by Marilyn Monroe — who actually borrowed the name from stage actress Marilyn Miller.
Marilyn reached its peak popularity in the 1930s-1950s, before Marilyn Monroe made it truly iconic. After Monroe's fame and tragic death, the name became so strongly associated with her that new parents largely avoided it, fearing the shadow. It is now reviving as a glamorous vintage choice for parents drawn to its Hollywood golden age resonance.
Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962) is arguably the single greatest cultural force behind any given name in American history. Her image as the ultimate Hollywood symbol — combined with her tragic early death — created an iconic association that has lasted over 60 years. The name now carries the unmistakable glamour of 1950s Hollywood.
Historical Record
Marilyn first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 140,271 babies have been named Marilyn in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Marilyn is past its peak , currently ranked #666 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortenson — she chose Marilyn as a stage name, borrowing it from Broadway actress Marilyn Miller
- At its 1935 peak, Marilyn was a top-10 name in the US
- Elton John's Candle in the Wind (1973), written about Monroe, became one of the best-selling singles in music history
Marilyn in Other Languages
French
Marilyn
German
Marilyn
English
Marilyn
Italian
Marilyn
Spanish
Marilyn
Popularity Over Time
#666
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1954
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Marilyn
M
Marilyn Manson
Musician
1969
American rock musician known for shock rock performances — his stage name combines Marilyn Monroe and Charles Manson
M
Marilyn Monroe
Actor
1926
Iconic American actress, model, and singer — the definitive Hollywood sex symbol of the 1950s and 1960s, born Norma Jean...
Iconic American actress, model, and singer — the definitive Hollywood sex symbol of the 1950s and 1960s, born Norma Jeane Mortenson
M
Marilyn Monroe (fictional portrayals) Fictional
Other
Monroe has been portrayed in countless films and TV series, including My Week with Marilyn (2011) with Michelle Williams
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Compare Marilyn with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #666
- Total SSA Count
- 432
- Cultural Origins
- American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mari
Lyn
Lynn
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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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, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Marilyn
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Marilyn is also used as a boy name, ranked #20482.
View Marilyn as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Marilyn
What does the name Marilyn mean?
"beloved, wished-for child (from Hebrew Miriam via Mary)" (from Hebrew via Latin). "lake, waterfall (from Lynn)" (from Old English/Welsh). Marilyn is an English name created as a blend of Mary and Lynn. Mary derives from the Hebrew Miriam, meaning beloved or wished-for child. Lynn comes from Old English or Welsh, meaning lake or waterfall. The combination was first recorded in the late 19th century and grew popular in the early 20th century before being immortalized by Marilyn Monroe — who actually borrowed the name from stage actress Marilyn Miller.
What is the origin of the name Marilyn?
Marilyn has Hebrew via Latin, Old English/Welsh, American, and English origins. In Hebrew via Latin, it means "beloved, wished-for child (from Hebrew Miriam via Mary)". In Old English/Welsh, it means "lake, waterfall (from Lynn)".
Is Marilyn a boy or girl name?
Marilyn is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #666. As a boy name, it is ranked #20482. Marilyn is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Marilyn?
Marilyn is pronounced m-EHR-uhl-uhn.
How popular is the name Marilyn?
Marilyn is currently ranked #666 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Marilyn?
Common nicknames for Marilyn include Mari, Lyn, and Lynn.
What are good middle names for Marilyn?
Popular middle name pairings include Marilyn Jane, Marilyn Rose, Marilyn Grace, Marilyn Ann, Marilyn Claire, and Marilyn Sue.
What are good sibling names for Marilyn?
Names that pair well with Marilyn as siblings include Dorothy, Patricia, Beverly, Richard, James, and Gloria.
How many syllables does Marilyn have?
Marilyn has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Marilyn a common or rare name?
Marilyn is moderately common, ranked #666 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What girl names are similar to Marilyn?
About the Name Marilyn
Marilyn is a girl name with American and English origins . The name means "beloved, wished-for child (from Hebrew Miriam via Mary)" in Hebrew via Latin .
Is Marilyn a boy or girl name? Marilyn is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #666 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #20,482. Marilyn is more commonly used as a girl name.
Marilyn is currently ranked #666 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Marilyn has 3 syllables and is pronounced m-EHR-uhl-uhn, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Marilyn include Mari, Lyn, and Lynn. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Marilyn include Maria, Mariana, Mariah, Mariam, Marie . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis