Rising since 2019, #6,838 for girls today.
Popularity of Marilu since 1919
Babies named Marilu per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 |
| 1920s | 67 |
| 1930s | 116 |
| 1940s | 136 |
| 1950s | 196 |
| 1960s | 167 |
| 1970s | 225 |
| 1980s | 373 |
| 1990s | 443 |
| 2000s | 282 |
| 2010s | 181 |
| 2020s | 88 |
Meaning & origin
Marilu is a compound name formed from Maria and Luisa, characteristic of a naming trend that gained traction in the early 20th century. In 2025, it ranked 6,838 in the U.S., with approximately 1 in 100,454 newborn girls receiving the name. Its peak year was 1996, and since 2019 it has been slowly rising in use after a period of decline. The name is most concentrated in Texas, reflecting its continuing appeal in Hispanic communities. Marilu has a vintage feel, reminiscent of the mid-20th century, but its upward trajectory suggests a quiet revival among parents seeking a melodic, two-syllable name with Spanish flair.
Marilu is a modern compound name, most commonly a combination of Maria and Luisa (or Lucille), popular in Spanish-speaking and Italian-speaking communities. It emerged as a given name in the early 20th century, mirroring the trend of blended names like Marisol (Maria + Soledad). In Italian, it is also used as a diminutive of Maria Luisa. The name gained visibility in the United States through actress Marilu Henner, born 1952.
Where Marilu is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mari, Lulu, Mara
Sibling names for Marilu
Names that share Marilu's style, for a brother or sister.
