Declining since 2013, #760 for girls today.
Popularity of Marilyn since 1899
Babies named Marilyn per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1947, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Marilyn's real moment was 1936.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 132 |
| 1910s | 1,306 |
| 1920s | 34,202 |
| 1930s | 98,531 |
| 1940s | 98,977 |
| 1950s | 80,161 |
| 1960s | 27,002 |
| 1970s | 7,930 |
| 1980s | 5,578 |
| 1990s | 5,750 |
| 2000s | 5,376 |
| 2010s | 6,382 |
| 2020s | 2,459 |
Meaning & origin
Marilyn is a distinctly American name that emerged in the late 19th century, first recorded in 1899. It reached its peak popularity in 1936, becoming one of the most popular names of the 1930s, before entering a long decline. As of the latest year (2025), it ranks 760th, with about 1 in 4,515 newborns receiving the name, reflecting its falling trajectory since 2013. The name has seen consistent use in states like Wisconsin, Alabama, and Missouri, areas that have retained a fondness for mid-century names. Despite its decline, Marilyn retains cultural resonance through its association with iconic figures and remains a familiar choice for parents seeking a classic, feminine name with vintage appeal.
Marilyn is a 20th century coinage, likely formed by combining Mary, a traditional English name derived from Hebrew, with the fashionable suffix -lyn (from Lynn). It emerged in the early 1900s and gained widespread popularity in the United States, particularly after the rise of actress Marilyn Monroe. While its exact origin is uncertain, it is clearly a modern English invention rather than a name with ancient roots.
Where Marilyn is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mari, Lyn, Mimi
Sibling names for Marilyn
Names that share Marilyn's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Evelyn, Carolyn, Rosemary, Shirley, Bernadette, Barbara, Betty, Gayle, Gloria, Ardith, Caren, Carolann, Charlyn, Cherryl, Dorene, Glenda, Jerilyn, Jerrilyn, Karolyn, Leeann, Lynnette, Marilee, Marlyn, Marlys, Merrill, Roslyn, Sharilyn, Sherlyn, Sherrill, Shirlee, Terrie, Arlyn, Corliss, Genell, Geralyn, Jeralyn, Jerilynn, Karlyn, Maralyn, Marilou, Marjean, Marshell, Marylyn, Merilyn, Saralyn, Sharlyn, Sharolyn, Sherryl, Analyn, Carylon, Darilyn, Harolyn, Jackalyn, Jacklin, Jacolyn, Janalyn, Jearldine, Jehilyn, Jerelyn, Jerolyn, Joellyn, Joelyn, Jolynne, Karilyn, Linell, Lorraina, Louellen, Maralee, Marilin, Merrilyn, Nancey, Rosilyn, Sharalyn, Sharin, Sharlet, Sheralyn, Sherian, Sherrel, Shirlyn, Taralyn, Wendelyn, Wendolyn, Bevelyn, Beverely, Beverlyn, Brendalyn, Carilyn, Carollee, Carollyn, Carollynn, Carrolyn, Caryle, Cherylyn, Claryce, Connee, Daralyn, Deborra, Doriann, Gailya, Georgeann, Geralynn, Jenalyn, Jerlyn, Jerrilynn, Jeweline, Jonalyn, Loralyn, Lorianne, Lorilyn, Margarie, Marilea, Marinell, Maryl, Marynell, Merryl, Normajean, Rozann, Sharel, Shearon, Sherilynn, Sherl, Sherlie, Sherolyn, Sherran, Sheryn, Shirly, Erilyn, Gerilynn, Karolee, Yeilyn, Bevely, Beverlyann, Brendolyn, Cheyrl, Crislyn, Darlys, Darrelyn, Donalyn, Gailyn, Geriann, Geryl, Jackolyn, Jeralynn, Jerilee, Joycelin, Judene, Kathlee, Kennetha, Maridee, Marigene, Marveline, Marvelyn, Marylon, Marylynne, Noralyn, Rondalyn, Sharlynn, Sherald, Sherlyne, Shriley, Shyrl, Tamalyn, Valoree, Veverly, Wilmary
Brothers: Kenneth, Leonard, Raymond, Calvin, Lawrence, Bruce, Gerald, Jerald, Marvin, Roger, Ronald, Russell, Wayne, Elvis, Jerold, Darold, Derwin, Duwayne, Garold, Larrie, Lindell, Lynwood, Melvyn, Selvin, Sherron, Darral, Darrol, Darrold, Daymond, Derrel, Dewane, Durwin, Earvin, Gaylan, Glendale, Jearld, Jeral, Karron, Lansing, Lawernce, Rondel, Terril, Darol, Darroll, Deland, Garyn, Gregary, Kenwood, Lyndel, Mardell, Marnell, Marvyn, Murlin, Jerl, Derrall, Glyndon, Jerol, Maruice, Stedman
Names like Marilyn
Names whose popularity has moved with Marilyn's over the last 50 years.
