Declining since 2004, #3,577 for girls today.
Popularity of Marlen since 1915
Babies named Marlen per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 0 | 34 |
| 1920s | 0 | 113 |
| 1930s | 42 | 151 |
| 1940s | 44 | 99 |
| 1950s | 32 | 69 |
| 1960s | 126 | 56 |
| 1970s | 229 | 101 |
| 1980s | 473 | 64 |
| 1990s | 1,337 | 105 |
| 2000s | 2,171 | 82 |
| 2010s | 773 | 31 |
| 2020s | 285 | 21 |
Meaning & origin
Marlen is a modern American name first recorded in 1932. It reached its peak popularity in 2003, ranking highest among all years, but has since fallen in use. As of 2025, it was given to about 1 in 38268 newborns, placing it at rank 3577. The name has been most common in California and Texas. While its exact meaning is uncertain, it likely emerged as a blend or variant of longer names like Marlene, reflecting a trend toward shorter, melodic names in the mid-20th century.
Marlen is a modern name that first appeared in the United States around 1932. It is likely a blend or variant of names like Marlene (itself a combination of Mary and Magdalene) or a feminine form of Marlin. The name has seen modest use, peaking in popularity in the early 2000s.
Where Marlen 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: Marl, Lena, Marly
Sibling names for Marlen
Names that share Marlen's style, for a brother or sister.
