Declining since 1987, #5,554 for girls today.
Popularity of Maryellen since 1891
Babies named Maryellen per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 27 |
| 1900s | 47 |
| 1910s | 343 |
| 1920s | 809 |
| 1930s | 940 |
| 1940s | 2,463 |
| 1950s | 2,859 |
| 1960s | 2,970 |
| 1970s | 987 |
| 1980s | 648 |
| 1990s | 390 |
| 2000s | 296 |
| 2010s | 231 |
| 2020s | 134 |
Meaning & origin
Maryellen is a compound name that combines two classics: Mary and Ellen. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1891 and saw its highest usage in 1960, when it ranked 5,554. Since 1987, its frequency has been declining. In 2025, about 1 in 73,058 baby girls received the name. Despite its modest current numbers, Maryellen retains a gentle, familiar charm, evoking mid-20th-century Americana.
Maryellen is a compound name formed from Mary and Ellen. Mary derives from the Hebrew Miriam, of debated meaning (often 'bitter' or 'wished-for child'). Ellen is an English form of Helen, from the Greek Helene (meaning 'light' or 'torch'). The combination became popular in the United States in the early 20th century, peaking in the 1960s.
Where Maryellen 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: Mary, Ellen, Ellie, Molly, Mare
Variants: Mary Ellen, Mary-ellen, Mariellen
Sibling names for Maryellen
Names that share Maryellen's style, for a brother or sister.
