Marilyn Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Marilyn originated as a modern English name, combining the meanings of 'beloved' and 'lake' or 'waterfall.' It evolved from Mary and has been popularized by cultural icons in the 20th century. The name conveys traits of elegance and charm, with a notable absence of biblical relevance.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Marilyn"
Pronunciation
/ˈmɛrɪlɪn/
Origin
Modern English
Etymology
The name Marilyn is believed to be a combination of the names Mary and Lynn. Mary has Hebrew origins, meaning 'beloved,' while Lynn is derived from the Welsh word for 'lake' or 'waterfall.'
Meaning
Beloved lake or beloved waterfall
Language Evolution
Mary, Marilyn
Historical Usage
Marilyn gained popularity in the early to mid-20th century, particularly due to iconic figures such as Marilyn Monroe in the 1950s.
Variants & Derivatives
Mary, Marilynne, Mari
Modern Popularity & Image
The name Marilyn is often associated with elegance and glamour, largely influenced by the cultural impact of Marilyn Monroe. While it is less commonly used today, it retains a nostalgic charm.
Famous People
Marilyn Monroe, Marilyn Manson, Marilynne Robinson
📊 Marilyn Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Marilyn Name Visualizations
✨ Marilyn Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 11,905 peak births in 1947
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Iowa
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 13 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Marilyn" - Complete Guide (7 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Marilyn". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 7 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Marilyn" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Marilyn"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Marilyn"
"Marilyn" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 4628th of 7545 | 41 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1240th of 6773 | 570 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2022nd of 7552 | 299 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3976th of 10718 | 108 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 9103rd of 16616 | 42 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 22675th of 24088 | 6 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 175th of 9107 | 22,831 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 21st of 9204 | 167,911 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 57th of 12526 | 140,137 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 254th of 19264 | 17,927 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 428th of 27321 | 9,183 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 535th of 35406 | 8,756 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 559th of 30306 | 6,662 |
Regional Popularity of "Marilyn" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- |
91.44% 1261st/1379 |
- | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
52.20% 807th/1546 |
61.18% 952nd/1556 |
- |
61.28% 948th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
63.27% 1409th/2227 |
67.94% 1651st/2430 |
- | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
63.94% 4039th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Marilyn" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
7.42% 105th/1416 |
9.93% 137th/1379 |
15.34% 363rd/2366 |
10.16% 116th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
0.78% 12th/1546 |
1.41% 22nd/1556 |
3.82% 90th/2353 |
0.97% 15th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
2.20% 49th/2227 |
2.59% 63rd/2430 |
2.10% 60th/2853 |
1.87% 52nd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
9.57% 281st/2937 |
5.46% 190th/3483 |
6.88% 242nd/3518 |
8.23% 333rd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
13.54% 499th/3685 |
8.22% 368th/4475 |
9.15% 475th/5194 |
6.22% 393rd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
14.14% 648th/4582 |
10.19% 526th/5164 |
8.59% 628th/7313 |
5.56% 415th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
15.61% 622nd/3984 |
15.18% 681st/4487 |
8.69% 593rd/6822 |
6.56% 412th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Marilyn"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Marilyn" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Marilyn" in the United States
The name Marilyn is most popular in Iowa, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Silent Generation generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Marilyn has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Marilyn' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 4628th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1240th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2022nd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3976th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 9103rd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 22675th out of 24088 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 175th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 21st out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 57th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 254th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 428th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 535th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 559th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Marilyn' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.