Marilyn

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Marilyn

Gender Girl
Origin Hebrew
Letters 7
Syllables 3
Pronunciation mEH-r-i-l-eh-n

Marilyn, which has 7 letters and 3 syllables, is a female name of Hebrew origin.

Meaning of Marilyn

Descendants of mary

Marilyn is a given name which is derived from the French name Marie-Louise. It is a combination of the names Mary and Louise and is often seen as a combination of the Latin words for “star” (Maria) and “famous warrior” (Louise). It is often associated with beauty, grace, and elegance.

Save
Rate:
(3.2/5 from 51 votes)
Meaning Descendants of mary
Origin Hebrew
Gender Girl
Popularity (US) #666 in 2024 Rising Fast
Rarity (US) Rare (Top 1000)
Era Vintage (1930s)

Background & History of The Name Marilyn

The name Marilyn is of Hebrew origin and its meaning is "rebellion" or "wished-for child". It is a variation of the name Mary, which is derived from the Hebrew name Miriam. Marilyn is a feminine name that became popular in the early 20th century, particularly in the United States. It gained widespread recognition due to the famous American actress and model, Marilyn Monroe, whose birth name was Norma Jeane Mortenson.

Throughout history, there have been notable individuals named Marilyn who have left their mark in various fields. Marilyn vos Savant, for example, is an American author and columnist known for holding the highest recorded IQ score in the Guinness Book of Records. Another noteworthy Marilyn is Marilyn French, an American feminist writer and literary critic whose works contributed significantly to the feminist movement in the 20th century.

The name Marilyn has had a significant presence in popular culture as well. Besides Marilyn Monroe's iconic status as a sex symbol and Hollywood icon, the name has been used in various songs, books, and movies. One popular song referencing the name is "Sweet Marilyn" by Freddie Hart, released in 1953. Additionally, the name Marilyn has often been depicted as a symbol of beauty, femininity, and allure.

Today, Marilyn is considered a timeless and classic name, still appreciated by parents looking to give their daughters a name with historical and cultural significance. Its elegant and sophisticated sound continues to resonate with many, making it a favored choice for baby girls around the world.

Popularity Over Time

US Social Security Administration data showing the rank of Marilyn over the years.

Check Initials

See what initials Marilyn would create with your last name.

Nicknames

Common nicknames and short forms for Marilyn.

Save This Name

Create an account to save names to your lists and share with your partner.

Create Free Account

Partner Matching

Rate names with your partner and find the ones you both love.

Learn More

Sibling Matcher

Find names that pair well with your existing children's names.

Find Sibling Names