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Marilyn

♀ Girl

Pronounced MAIR-ih-lin /ˈmɛɹ.ɪ.lɪn/High

Meaning: Star of the sea or beloved; a 20th-century blend of Mary (from Hebrew Miryam) and the suffix -lyn, with Mary meaning beloved or star of the seaHigh

In 30 seconds: Marilyn is a 20th-century blend of Mary and the -lyn suffix, carrying the Hebrew meaning of star of the sea, forever associated with Marilyn Monroe and the golden era of Hollywood glamour.
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Origin HighHebrew, American English
MeaningStar of the sea or beloved; a 20th-century blend of Mary (from Hebrew Miryam) and the suffix -lyn, with Mary meaning beloved or star of the sea
U.S. rank (2025)#761 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births356 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1947
Total births (all-time)≈ 373,780

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 194718992025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Marilyn is an American elaboration of Mary, combining it with the popular -lyn suffix. Mary derives from Hebrew Miryam, whose exact meaning is debated but commonly rendered as beloved, wished-for child, or star of the sea (the latter from a medieval Latin folk etymology, stella maris). The -lyn suffix, popularized in the early 20th century, feminizes and modernizes the base name.

Marilyn peaked in the United States in the 1930s and 1940s, largely on the coattails of actress Marilyn Miller. The name reached cultural immortality with Marilyn Monroe, and while it declined after her death, it never disappeared and now carries nostalgic glamour. It retains steady use among parents who love vintage names.

Did you know? Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortenson in 1926; she adopted the stage name Marilyn Monroe in 1946, taking Marilyn from stage actress Marilyn Miller. Her iconic status ensured the name's permanent place in American cultural history.
Overall data confidence 93%
Behind the Name — Marilyn — etymology and American usage historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

MarilynnMarylynMarylin

Nicknames

MaryLynnMeri

Famous Bearers

  • ★Marilyn Monroe (1926–1962)
    American actress, model, and singer, one of the most iconic figures in American cultural history and a symbol of Hollywood's golden age.
  • ★Marilyn Manson (1969–present)
    American singer and shock-rock musician, born Brian Warner, who took the stage name Marilyn Manson combining Marilyn Monroe and Charles Manson.

If you like Marilyn…

Mary— the core name embedded in Marilyn
Carolyn— same three-syllable -lyn ending vintage girls name pattern
Jocelyn— shares the classic -lyn suffix and mid-century elegance
Evelyn— fellow three-syllable -lyn name with timeless vintage charm

Frequently Asked

What does the name Marilyn mean?

Marilyn carries the meaning of its root name Mary, from Hebrew Miryam, commonly interpreted as star of the sea or beloved.

How do you pronounce Marilyn?

It is said MAIR-ih-lin, three syllables with stress on the first.

Is Marilyn still a popular name?

Marilyn is in steady use rather than high fashion, carrying vintage glamour associated with Marilyn Monroe.

Where does the name Marilyn come from?

Marilyn is an American 20th-century creation combining the name Mary (Hebrew origin) with the popular -lyn suffix.