Girl · 894th of 9,204
Merlene
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
2,379
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1940
Peak Popularity Year
93
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Merlene stands across generations
This name is not present in the Generation Alpha ranking.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
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 Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
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.
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
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
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 15 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
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
Full popularity table across American generations 5 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |