Declining since 2015, #3,645 for girls today.
Popularity of Marilynn since 1914
Babies named Marilynn per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 213 |
| 1920s | 1,621 |
| 1930s | 2,359 |
| 1940s | 3,569 |
| 1950s | 2,723 |
| 1960s | 653 |
| 1970s | 354 |
| 1980s | 301 |
| 1990s | 384 |
| 2000s | 261 |
| 2010s | 563 |
| 2020s | 281 |
Meaning & origin
Marilynn is a vintage girl's name that saw its greatest popularity in the 1940s, peaking in 1944. It is a variant spelling of Marilyn, which itself was popularized by actress Marilyn Monroe (born Norma Jeane). The name combines Mary with the popular suffix -lynn, which was fashionable mid-century. In 2025, Marilynn ranked 3645, with only 1 in every 39,202 newborn girls receiving the name, a steep decline from its mid-20th century peak. The name has been falling in use since 2015, and its top states historically include Ohio and Texas. Marilynn feels like a relic of a bygone era, one that might appeal to parents seeking a name with retro charm and a soft, feminine sound. Its spelling sets it apart from the more common Marilyn, offering a touch of uniqueness without straying far from familiar territory.
Marilynn is a modern coinage combining the popular names Mary and Lynn, or a respelling of Marilyn. Mary derives from the Hebrew Miryam, of debated meaning (possibly 'beloved' or 'bitter'), while Lynn comes from Welsh llyn meaning 'lake'. The name Marilyn rose to prominence in the early 20th century, with Marilynn as a variant spelling that emerged in the 1910s. It saw peak usage in the 1940s.
Where Marilynn 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, Lynn, Mary, Mimi
Sibling names for Marilynn
Names that share Marilynn's style, for a brother or sister.
