Marlen
Marlen is a girl's name of Germanic origin.
Meaning
Of Mary and Magdalene; wished-for child or high tower.
Origin and history
Marlen is a feminine given name derived either as a variant of Marlene—combining Maria and Magdalene—or as a modern variant of names like Marlin. In the United States, it has enjoyed steady, moderate usage over the decades without reaching the top ranks. It offers a soft, classic European sound with a contemporary feel.
Popularity in the United States
5,512 babies in the United States have been named Marlen since 1880. It ranks #2316 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1816.
States where it is most popular
- CA (40.6 %)
- TX (31.7 %)
- IL (9 %)
- NY (3.3 %)
- AZ (3 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 0 |
| 1930-1940 | 42 |
| 1940-1950 | 44 |
| 1950-1960 | 32 |
| 1960-1970 | 126 |
| 1970-1980 | 229 |
| 1980-1990 | 473 |
| 1990-2000 | 1,337 |
| 2000-2010 | 2,171 |
| 2010-2019 | 773 |
| 2020-2029 | 285 |
Nicknames
Mar, Lena, Marley
Fun facts
- Marlen developed as a contracted variant of Marlene, a name famously popularized in the 20th century.
- With over 5,000 births recorded in the U.S. since 1880, Marlen has maintained a steady presence for decades.