Marilena is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Marilius, which means "of Mars." Mars, the Roman god of war, was considered the protector of Rome and its citizens. Thus, the name Marilena can be interpreted as "dedicated to Mars" or "pertaining to Mars." The name gained popularity during the Middle Ages and has since been used in various forms across different cultures. In some variations, such as the Italian Marialena or the Spanish Marilena, it is often associated with the Virgin Mary (Maria), further expanding its cultural significance.
The name Marilena experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. It initially peaked in the late 1970s and early 1980s with around 14 to 15 births per year, but it sharply declined thereafter, dropping as low as 6 births per year by the mid-1990s. Since then, its popularity has seen renewed growth, reaching a recent high of 21 births in both 2021 and 2022. Overall, there were a total of 653 babies named Marilena from 1948 to 2023.