A 1930s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Marlan since 1915
Babies named Marlan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 18 |
| 1920s | 119 |
| 1930s | 172 |
| 1940s | 156 |
| 1950s | 173 |
| 1960s | 155 |
| 1970s | 178 |
| 1980s | 60 |
| 1990s | 85 |
| 2000s | 57 |
| 2010s | 28 |
| 2020s | 21 |
Meaning & origin
Marlan is a name that first entered U.S. birth records in 1915, making it a relatively modern choice. It reached its highest popularity in 1937, during which year it was given to the most babies. After a long decline, the name has been on a slight upward trend since 2016, suggesting a modest revival. Despite its mid-century peak, Marlan remains rare, with only about 1 in every 341,615 newborns receiving the name in 2025. Its origins are somewhat obscure, likely a creative combination or variant of better-known names, giving it a distinctive but straightforward sound.
Marlan appears to be a modern American coinage, first recorded in 1915. It may have been formed by blending elements from names such as Mark and Alan, or as a variant of Marlin, which itself has disputed origins (either from the fish name or as a variant of Merlin). The name saw peak use in the 1930s and has remained in occasional use since.
Sibling names for Marlan
Names that share Marlan's style, for a brother or sister.
