Marleen is a unique and beautiful feminine given name that originates from the Netherlands. It is derived from the Dutch name "Marie," which means "sea of bitterness" or "dedicated to Mars." The name Marleen is believed to have been coined by Belgian author Felix Timmermans in his novel "Majoor Frans van der Goet," published in 1890. In the story, Marleen is the protagonist's beloved sister, and her name has since become popular among Dutch-speaking families.
The name Marleen gained further popularity through its association with the famous Dutch film actress Marleen Gorris, who directed the Academy Award-winning movie "Antonia's Line" in 1995. Despite its Dutch origins, Marleen is also found in other countries such as Belgium and France, where it may have been introduced through cultural exchange or immigration.
In terms of its meaning and symbolism, the name Marleen carries the same associations as its root name Marie. It is often interpreted to mean "dedicated to Mars," the Roman god of war, suggesting strength, courage, and valor. Alternatively, the name can be seen as a reference to the sea or the ocean, evoking images of depth, power, and constant change.
Today, Marleen remains a distinctive and charming name, perfect for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful choice for their daughter. Its Dutch origins give it a unique European flair, while its association with a strong female character in literature and film adds to its appeal. Overall, the name Marleen is a beautiful and significant option that celebrates both strength and beauty.
The statistics provided show the number of births for the name Marleen in the United States from 1926 to 2023.
From 1926 to 1935, the number of births with the name Marleen remained relatively low, ranging from 6 to 47 births per year. However, starting in 1936, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name Marleen, with over 50 births recorded each year until 1952.
The peak years for the name Marleen were between 1946 and 1952, with over 100 births recorded each year. The highest number of births was in 1951, with 133 babies named Marleen born that year.
After 1952, the popularity of the name Marleen began to decline, with fewer than 100 births recorded each year until 1967. Between 1968 and 1972, there were between 29 and 57 births per year for the name Marleen.
From 1973 onwards, the number of births with the name Marleen continued to decline, with fewer than 50 births recorded each year until 1994. Between 1995 and 2006, there were between 18 and 42 births per year for the name Marleen.
Since 2007, the number of births with the name Marleen has been quite low, with fewer than 35 births recorded each year until 2022. The most recent data available shows that there were 11 births for the name Marleen in 2023.
Overall, the popularity of the name Marleen has fluctuated over time, with periods of high popularity followed by periods of decline. Despite these fluctuations, the name Marleen remains relatively uncommon compared to more popular names like Emma or Olivia. As of 2023, a total of 4103 babies named Marleen have been born in the United States since 1926.