Merlene Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Merlene is a name of English origin, derived from 'Merle' meaning blackbird, with influences from names like Marilyn and Marlene. It has evolved through various forms and is associated with a vintage charm. It does not have biblical relevance and gained popularity in the mid-20th century. Notably, Merlene Ottey is a famous bearer of the name.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Merlene"
Pronunciation
/ˈmɜːrliːn/
Origin
English
Etymology
Merlene is a modern name that is likely derived from a blend of the name 'Merle' and the suffix '-lene'. 'Merle' has French origins meaning 'blackbird', while '-lene' is a common feminine suffix in English.
Meaning
blackbird
Language Evolution
Merle, Marilyn, Marlene
Historical Usage
Merlene gained popularity in the mid-20th century as a feminine name, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Variants & Derivatives
Merle, Marlene, Marilyn
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Merlene is considered a somewhat unique and vintage name, often associated with charm and creativity.
Famous People
Merlene Ottey, a Jamaican track and field athlete known for her sprinting achievements.
📊 Merlene Name Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Merlene Name Visualizations
✨ Merlene Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 93 peak births in 1940
Geographic Spread
Popular across 15 US states, with strongest presence in Utah
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 5 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Merlene" - Complete Guide (15 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Merlene". 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 15 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 "Merlene" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Merlene"
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 "Merlene"
"Merlene" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 2235th of 9107 | 273 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 894th of 9204 | 1,202 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1648th of 12526 | 770 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 6155th of 19264 | 123 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 22630th of 27321 | 11 |
Regional Popularity of "Merlene" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Merlene" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
74.60% 1765th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
86.48% 1337th/1546 |
86.05% 1339th/1556 |
34.81% 819th/2353 |
54.75% 847th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
100.00% 2227th/2227 |
- |
62.60% 1786th/2853 |
56.68% 1573rd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Merlene"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Merlene" 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 "Merlene" in the United States
The name Merlene is most popular in Utah, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Silent Generation generation in the South region. 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, Merlene has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Merlene' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2235th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 894th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1648th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 6155th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 22630th out of 27321 names. Discover how the name 'Merlene' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.