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Home › Baby Names Directory › Marleen

Marleen

♀ Girl

Pronounced mar-LEEN /mɑrˈliːn/Medium

Meaning: A variant spelling of Marlene, which contracts Maria and Magdalene ('woman of Magdala'). The -een ending reflects Dutch and German usage, keeping the crisp two-beat sound of the classic Marlene.Low

In 30 seconds: A crisp take on Marlene: Marleen traces to Maria plus Magdalene, 'of Magdala' (said 'mar-LEEN'). Neat and mid-century warm.
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Origin MediumGerman, Dutch
MeaningA variant spelling of Marlene, which contracts Maria and Magdalene ('woman of Magdala'). The -een ending reflects Dutch and German usage, keeping the crisp two-beat sound of the classic Marlene.
U.S. rank (2025)#11554 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births8 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1951
Total births (all-time)≈ 4,121

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 195119262025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Marleen is a variant of Marlene, a name contracting Maria and Magdalene ('of Magdala'). Popular across the Low Countries and German-speaking Europe, this spelling keeps the trim two-beat ring of the classic while nodding to Marlene Dietrich's era (said 'mar-LEEN').

For girls it appears only rarely in the U.S. in this spelling. Rare, tidy, and vintage-warm.

Did you know? Marleen is a Dutch and German spelling of Marlene, which squeezes together Maria and Magdalene, 'woman of Magdala' — the name carried to fame by Marlene Dietrich (said 'mar-LEEN').
Overall data confidence 52%
References - Marleen — Dutch/German variant of Marlene

Variations

MarleneMarlienMarline

Nicknames

MarLenaLeen

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Marleen…

Marlene— the base name this varies
Kathleen— a like -een classic
Marlena— a like Marlene respelling
Maureen— a like tidy -een pick

Explore names like Marleen

By themevintagevariantdutchtidy

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Marleen mean?

It's a variant of Marlene, which blends Maria and Magdalene ('woman of Magdala').

How do you pronounce Marleen?

It's said mar-LEEN /mɑrˈliːn/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Marleen a boy or girl name?

Marleen is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Marleen?

Marleen is a rare name for girls in the U.S.

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