Marlene is a unique and captivating female given name of German origin. The name Marlene is derived from the German words "maer" meaning "of the sea," and "lena" which means "light." Therefore, the name Marlene translates to "sea light." This beautiful combination creates a name that evokes images of radiance shining brightly over the ocean waves.
The name Marlene gained significant popularity in the mid-20th century, largely due to the charismatic and talented actress Marlene Dietrich. Born Maria Magdalena Dietrich in 1901, she became an iconic figure in Hollywood during the golden age of cinema. Known for her striking beauty, sultry voice, and exceptional acting skills, Dietrich brought glamour and sophistication to the silver screen. Her successful career in film and music contributed to the rising popularity of the name Marlene.
Prior to Dietrich's rise to fame, the name Marlene was relatively uncommon. However, after she became a household name, many parents were drawn to the allure and elegance associated with the moniker Marlene. Today, although it may not be as widespread as some other popular names, Marlene continues to be appreciated for its unique sound and fascinating history.
In summary, Marlene is a distinctive female given name of German origin that means "sea light." Its popularity was significantly influenced by the renowned actress Marlene Dietrich, who brought sophistication and glamour to the name. Despite not being as common today, Marlene remains an attractive choice for parents seeking a unique and captivating name for their daughter.
The name Marlene has a rich history in the United States, with its popularity waxing and waning over the years. Between 1904 and 2023, there have been a total of 130,257 babies named Marlene born in the U.S.
The name's peak in popularity occurred in the late 1930s to early 1940s. In 1936 alone, there were 5,332 births with the name Marlene, which remains the highest number of births recorded for that name in a single year.
However, like many names, Marlene's popularity has decreased over time. The most recent data from 2023 shows only 165 babies named Marlene were born that year. This decrease is common among names that gained popularity earlier in the century but have since become less common due to changing trends and cultural shifts.
Despite its waning popularity, the name Marlene continues to hold historical significance in the U.S., with a substantial number of individuals bearing this name throughout different decades.