Marilyn
Marilyn is a girl's name of English origin.
Meaning
Combination of Mary (wished-for child or beloved) and the suffix -lyn.
Origin and history
Marilyn originated as a combination of Mary and the suffix -lyn, gaining immense popularity in the mid-20th century. It became iconic due to Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe. While less common today than in its mid-century peak, it remains a classic English given name.
Popularity in the United States
373,791 babies in the United States have been named Marilyn since 1880. It ranks #98 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #681.
States where it is most popular
- NY (10.8 %)
- IL (7.9 %)
- CA (7.7 %)
- OH (7 %)
- MI (5.6 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 5 |
| 1900-1910 | 132 |
| 1910-1920 | 1,306 |
| 1920-1930 | 34,202 |
| 1930-1940 | 98,531 |
| 1940-1950 | 98,977 |
| 1950-1960 | 80,161 |
| 1960-1970 | 27,002 |
| 1970-1980 | 7,930 |
| 1980-1990 | 5,578 |
| 1990-2000 | 5,750 |
| 2000-2010 | 5,376 |
| 2010-2019 | 6,382 |
| 2020-2029 | 2,459 |
Famous people named Marilyn
- Marilyn Monroe: Actress, Model
- Marilyn Vos Savant: Columnist, Author
- Marilyn Horne: Opera Singer
Nicknames
Mary, Lynn, Mari, Lyn
Fun facts
- The name reached its zenith of cultural recognition through film star Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson.
- Marilyn was one of the most popular girls' names in the United States during the 1930s and 1940s.