Declining since 1985, #2,957 for girls today.
Popularity of Marlena since 1925
Babies named Marlena per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 5 |
| 1930s | 134 |
| 1940s | 385 |
| 1950s | 732 |
| 1960s | 995 |
| 1970s | 2,164 |
| 1980s | 2,425 |
| 1990s | 2,166 |
| 2000s | 1,174 |
| 2010s | 792 |
| 2020s | 349 |
Meaning & origin
Marlena first appeared in U.S. records in 1925, but its popularity peaked in 1978, when it ranked highest. Since 1985, the name has been on a steady decline, falling to rank 2,957 in 2025, with only about 1 in 28,701 baby girls receiving the name that year. The name has seen the most use in Pennsylvania, New York, and California. Marlena is a modern elaboration of Marlene, itself a blend of Maria and Magdalene, and carries a vintage charm that appeals to parents seeking a distinctive yet familiar sound. Its use across German, Polish, and English cultures gives it a European flair, while nicknames like Lena and Marla keep it accessible.
Marlena is a modern coinage blending Mary (from Hebrew Miryam, of debated meaning) and Magdalene (from Magdala, a place name in Galilee). It also functions as a variant of Marlene, itself a contraction of Maria and Magdalene popularized in German-speaking regions. The name has been used in Poland and English-speaking countries since the early 20th century, often as an elaboration of Marlene.
Where Marlena 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: Marla, Lena, Marlie, Marly
Sibling names for Marlena
Names that share Marlena's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Mirabelle, Rosalind, Celeste, Julietta, Annalise, Laryssa, Arlena, Carlena, Darlena, Delaina, Marleny, Arlana, Charlisa, Dorena, Marlina, Vonetta, Yalonda, Cherina, Janesa, Jasmarie, Karlena, Karlina, Katrisha, Marcina, Undrea, Dariona, Darlinda, Doneta, Jowana, Laurali, Marvena, Sharlena, Shirlena
Brothers: Julian, Sebastian, Dominic, Matteo, Adrian, Marwin, Quintell, Marvion
