What is the origin of the name Marilyn?

Marilyn is a name of Welsh origin.

How popular is the name Marilyn?

Marilyn is currently ranked #666 in the United States and is falling in popularity.

How do you pronounce Marilyn?

Marilyn is pronounced MAIR-ə-lin.

Back to all names

GirlWelsh#666falling

Marilyn

MAIR-ə-lin

Marilyn is a girl’s name of Welsh origin, meaning “Marilyn is a name of uncertain origin, possibly a combination of Mary and Lynn. Mary is Hebrew for 'bitter' or 'rebellious', and Lynn is Welsh for 'lake'.”. It currently ranks #666 in the US, and peaked in popularity in 1947.

Letters7

Syllables3

OriginWelsh

What Marilyn Means

“Marilyn is a name of uncertain origin, possibly a combination of Mary and Lynn. Mary is Hebrew for 'bitter' or 'rebellious', and Lynn is Welsh for 'lake'.”

The Story of Marilyn

This name evokes an era of unparalleled glamour, yet its most compelling story is the one it’s about to write with your child.

Marilyn is a name shrouded in a bit of mystery, though widely believed to be a blend of Mary, from Hebrew meaning 'bitter' or 'rebellious,' and Lynn, from Welsh meaning 'lake.' It rose to prominence in the mid-20th century, becoming an icon of Hollywood's golden age. Its journey from potential linguistic fusion to global recognition is a testament to its captivating allure.

Whispering 'Marilyn' feels like stepping onto a velvet carpet. There's an undeniable glamour, a sense of bright lights and enduring charisma that you might already feel emanating from your child. When you write it on a birth certificate, you're not just assigning a name; you're gifting a touch of that iconic allure, a promise of a presence that will be noticed and remembered.