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Marlei
Pronounced MAR-lee /ˈmɑr.li/High
Meaning: -ei spelling of Marley/Marlee — from Old English, 'the boundary wood/meadow' or 'the marten clearing'; routes layeredLow
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
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
Marlei is an -ei spelling of Marley/Marlee — from Old English, 'the boundary wood/meadow' or 'the marten (pine-marten) clearing' (routes layered, which we note). A soft, breezy surname-name (Bob Marley), used for both sexes, here for girls; the -ei styling personalizes it.
It registers thinly beside Marley. Rare, the-boundary-meadow at the (likely) root, and breezy.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Marlei mean?
Marlei spells Marley/Marlee — 'the boundary meadow' or 'the marten clearing'; the routes are layered.
How do you pronounce Marlei?
It's said MAR-lee /ˈmɑr.li/ — two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Marlei a boy or girl name?
Marlei is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a girl's name.
How popular is Marlei?
Marlei is a rare, recent spelling in the U.S.