Marlena
Marlena is a girl's name of Germanic origin.
Meaning
Combination of Maria (wished-for child, star of the sea) and Magdalena (of Magdala).
Origin and history
Marlena is a blend of Maria and Magdalena, rooted in German naming traditions. It gained popular visibility in the United States during the mid-20th century and continues to be used as a classic, elegant choice. While less common in recent years, it remains a recognized alternative to Marlene and Marlene-derived names.
Popularity in the United States
11,321 babies in the United States have been named Marlena since 1880. It ranks #1521 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1752.
States where it is most popular
- CA (22.9 %)
- NY (9.5 %)
- TX (8.8 %)
- PA (7.7 %)
- OH (6.2 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 5 |
| 1930-1940 | 134 |
| 1940-1950 | 385 |
| 1950-1960 | 732 |
| 1960-1970 | 995 |
| 1970-1980 | 2,164 |
| 1980-1990 | 2,425 |
| 1990-2000 | 2,166 |
| 2000-2010 | 1,174 |
| 2010-2019 | 792 |
| 2020-2029 | 349 |
Famous people named Marlena
- Marlena Shaw: Singer, Musician
Nicknames
Marley, Lena, Mar
Fun facts
- The name originally developed in German-speaking regions as a compressed combination of Maria and Magdalena.
- The name reached high cultural prominence in the U.S. through the iconic character Marlena Evans on Days of Our Lives.