Marlyn is a unique and distinctive female name with an interesting origin and history.
The name Marlyn has its roots in Welsh culture and language. It is derived from the Welsh word "marli" which means "seagull." The name was popularized by the famous Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas, who used it as the title of one of his poems, "Do not go gentle into that good night," published in 1952.
Marlyn gained popularity as a given name for girls following the publication of Thomas' poem. However, it is still relatively rare compared to other popular names, which contributes to its uniqueness and charm.
There are no specific meanings or associations attached to the name Marlyn beyond its origin and history. It does not have any particular cultural significance or symbolism beyond being associated with Welsh literature and poetry.
In terms of popularity, Marlyn has never been a particularly common name. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, it peaked in popularity in 1945 when it was given to 283 baby girls born that year. Since then, its usage has declined significantly, with only five babies named Marlyn in 2018.
Despite its lack of widespread popularity, Marlyn remains a beautiful and unique name with an interesting backstory rooted in Welsh culture and literature. Its rarity makes it a standout choice for parents looking for something distinctive and meaningful for their daughter.
The name Marlyn experienced significant popularity during the early to mid-20th century, with peaks in the late 1930s and early 1940s. The highest number of births was recorded in 1942 with 138 instances. However, since the late 1970s, there has been a steady decline in its usage, with fewer than 50 births per year from 1976 onwards. In recent years, Marlyn has become quite rare, with fewer than 25 births per year between 2015 and 2023, inclusive.