Marilyn Name Meaning: Origins and Significance

Marilyn is a name that has been popular for decades and continues to be a popular choice for parents naming their baby girls. The name Marilyn is believed to be a combination of the names Mary and Lynn. It is of English origin and has a few different meanings, including “drop of the sea,” “bitter,” and “beloved lake.”

The name Marilyn has a rich history and has been popular for many years. It was most popular in the 1930s, and many famous people have been given the name Marilyn, including Marilyn Monroe. The name has a timeless quality that makes it a great choice for parents who want to give their daughters a classic, yet unique name. In this article, we will explore the meaning and origin of the name Marilyn and its significance in popular culture.

Origin and Meaning of Marilyn

Marilyn is a feminine given name that has English, French, and Latin origins. It is a combination of the names Mary and Lynn. The first record of the name Marilyn was Marilyn Spencer Foster, who was born in 1510 in England.

The name Marilyn has several possible meanings, including “bitter,” “beloved,” “star of the sea,” “drop of the sea,” and “lake.” In Hebrew, the name Marilyn means “rebellion” or “wished-for child.”

The name Marilyn became popular in the United States during the 1920s and reached its peak in 1936 when it was ranked 13th. It was popularized in part by the American stage star Marilyn Miller, who was born Mary Ellen Reynolds and took her stage name from a combination of her birth name and her mother’s middle name Lynn.

The name Marilyn has been given to many famous people throughout history, including Marilyn Monroe, the iconic American actress, singer, and model. Her birth name was Norma Jeane Mortenson, but she changed it to Marilyn Monroe in 1946.

In conclusion, the name Marilyn has a rich and varied history, with origins in several different languages and cultures. Whether you choose this name for your child because of its meaning or simply because you like the way it sounds, it is sure to be a beautiful and memorable choice.

Popularity of the Name Marilyn

Marilyn was a very popular name in the 1950s, reaching its peak in 1953 when it was the 13th most popular name for baby girls in the United States. Since then, its popularity has declined steadily, and it is now a relatively uncommon name.

According to BabyCenter user data, Marilyn was the 726th most popular baby girl name in 2022 and is projected to rise to 681st in 2023. This represents an increase of 45 spots from the previous year.

The Social Security Administration also tracks baby name popularity in the United States. In 2020, Marilyn was the 1,264th most popular name for baby girls, with 171 babies given the name. This is a significant decrease from its peak in the 1950s when it was a top 20 name.

Despite its decline in popularity, Marilyn remains a beloved name for many parents. It has a classic, timeless quality that has endured for decades.

In summary, Marilyn was a very popular name in the 1950s, but its popularity has declined significantly since then. However, it remains a beloved name for many parents and continues to be used today.

Famous People Named Marilyn

The name Marilyn has been popular for many decades and has been used by many famous people in various fields. Here are some of the most notable people named Marilyn:

Marilyn Monroe: Perhaps the most famous person named Marilyn, Monroe was an American actress and singer who became a cultural icon and sex symbol during the 1950s and early 1960s. She starred in many popular films, including “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” and “Some Like It Hot”.
Marilyn Miller: Miller was an American actress and dancer who became a Broadway star in the 1920s. She appeared in many successful musicals, including “Sally” and “Sunny”.
Marilyn Manson: Born Brian Hugh Warner, Marilyn Manson is an American singer, songwriter, and musician known for his controversial stage persona and dark, gothic music. He has released many successful albums, including “Antichrist Superstar” and “Mechanical Animals”.
Marilyn Chambers: Chambers was an American pornographic actress who became famous for her roles in the films “Behind the Green Door” and “Insatiable”. She later became a mainstream actress and appeared in several horror films.
Marilyn McCoo: McCoo is an American singer and actress who is best known for being the lead female vocalist in the group The 5th Dimension. She has also had a successful solo career and has appeared in many television shows and films.
Marilyn vos Savant: Vos Savant is an American author and columnist who is known for having the highest recorded IQ in the world. She has written many books and articles, including a popular column in Parade magazine.
Marilyn Milian: Milian is an American television personality and former judge who is best known for her role on the show “The People’s Court”. She has also appeared on many other television shows and has written a book about her experiences as a judge.
Marilyn Lovell: Lovell is the wife of astronaut Jim Lovell and was portrayed by actress Kathleen Quinlan in the movie “Apollo 13”. She has also written a book about her experiences during the Apollo 13 mission.
Marilyn French: French was an American feminist writer and activist who is best known for her novel “The Women’s Room”. She was a prominent voice in the feminist movement during the 1970s and 1980s.

These are just a few of the many famous people named Marilyn. From actresses to singers to writers, the name Marilyn has been used by many successful and influential people throughout history.

Variations of Marilyn

Marilyn is a name that has seen many variations over the years. Here are some of the most common variations of the name Marilyn:

Marilynn: This variation of Marilyn adds an extra “n” to the end of the name, giving it a slightly different look and sound.
Maralyn: This variation of Marilyn drops the “i” and replaces it with an “a,” resulting in a unique spelling of the name.
Marelyn: This variation of Marilyn replaces the “i” with an “e,” giving the name a slightly different look and sound.
Marylyn: This variation of Marilyn drops the second “i” and replaces it with a “y,” resulting in a unique spelling of the name.
Merilyn: This variation of Marilyn drops the “a” and replaces it with an “e,” giving the name a slightly different look and sound.
Carolyn: While not a variation of Marilyn, Carolyn shares some of the same letters and sounds as Marilyn, making it a popular alternative for parents who like the name but want something a little different.
Jacqueline: Another popular alternative to Marilyn, Jacqueline shares some of the same letters and sounds as Marilyn, but with a more classic and timeless feel.
Nancy: This name shares the “n” and the “y” with Marilyn, but has a completely different sound and feel.
Joan: This name shares the “n” and the “a” with Marilyn, but has a completely different sound and feel.
Rita: This name shares the “r” and the “a” with Marilyn, but has a completely different sound and feel.

If you’re considering naming your child Marilyn, it’s important to keep in mind that there are many different variations of the name to choose from. Whether you prefer the classic spelling of Marilyn or one of its many variations, there’s sure to be a version of the name that suits your tastes and preferences.

In numerology, the name Marilyn has a life path number of 2, which is said to represent balance, harmony, and cooperation. The name also has a soul urge number of 6, which is said to represent love, nurturing, and responsibility. Additionally, the name has an expression number of 9, which is said to represent completion, wisdom, and humanitarianism. The name Marilyn is associated with the birth dates of the 18th, 29th, and 31st of the month.

Emotional Connotations of Marilyn

The name Marilyn has a certain charm and sophistication that evokes feelings of magnetism and mystique. It is a name that carries with it a sense of elegance and grace, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a classic and timeless name.

Emotion

Marilyn is a name that is often associated with beauty, glamour, and femininity. It has a certain allure that makes it appealing to many people, and it is often seen as a symbol of sophistication and refinement. The name Marilyn can evoke feelings of admiration and awe, as well as a sense of mystery and intrigue.

Style

Marilyn is a name that has a vintage feel to it, and it is often associated with the golden age of Hollywood. It is a name that has stood the test of time, and it is still popular today. Marilyn is a classic name that never goes out of style, and it is a great choice for parents who want a name that is both timeless and elegant.

Symbolism

The name Marilyn has several different meanings, depending on its origin. It can mean “drop of the sea,” “bitter,” or “beloved + lake.” These meanings all have different connotations, but they all contribute to the overall symbolism of the name. Marilyn is a name that is often associated with the sea and with water, which can symbolize purity, clarity, and depth.

Parents

Marilyn is a name that is often chosen by parents who want a name that is both classic and elegant. It is a name that has been popular for many years, and it is still a popular choice today. Marilyn is a name that can be spelled in several different ways, including Marilynn and Maralyn.

Famous People

Marilyn is a name that has been used by several famous people throughout history. Some of the most famous Marilyns include Marilyn Monroe, Marilyn Manson, and Marilyn Horne. These famous Marilyns have helped to make the name more popular and have contributed to its overall appeal.

Stars

The name Marilyn is often associated with the stars, both in terms of Hollywood stars and actual stars in the sky. It is a name that has a certain sparkle and shine to it, which makes it a great choice for parents who want a name that is both elegant and magical.

In summary, Marilyn is a name that is both classic and elegant, and it has a certain charm and sophistication that makes it appealing to many people. It is a name that is often associated with beauty, glamour, and femininity, and it has a vintage feel that never goes out of style.

Cultural References to Marilyn

The name Marilyn has been used in various cultural references, including movies, television shows, and music. Here are some notable mentions:

Marilyn Monroe: Perhaps the most famous Marilyn, Monroe was an American actress and singer who became a cultural icon in the 1950s and early 1960s. She was known for her beauty, talent, and tragic life. Monroe’s real name was Norma Jeane Mortenson, but she changed it to Marilyn Monroe in 1946. Her stage name was a combination of the first name Marilyn and the last name of her mother’s maiden name, Monroe.
Marilyn Manson: Brian Hugh Warner, better known by his stage name Marilyn Manson, is an American singer, songwriter, and actor. He is known for his controversial stage persona and music that often deals with themes of religion, violence, and sex. Manson took his stage name by combining the first name Marilyn with the last name of the serial killer Charles Manson.
Marilyn Bergman: Marilyn Bergman is an American songwriter and lyricist. She has won three Academy Awards for Best Original Song and has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Bergman has worked with many famous musicians, including Marvin Hamlisch, Michel Legrand, and Alan Bergman (her husband).
Marilyn Lovell: Marilyn Lovell is the wife of astronaut Jim Lovell, who was the commander of the Apollo 13 mission. The mission was the subject of a popular movie called Apollo 13, in which Marilyn was portrayed by actress Kathleen Quinlan.
Marilyn Maxwell: Marilyn Maxwell was an American actress and singer who appeared in many movies and television shows in the 1940s and 1950s. She was known for her beauty and talent and was often cast in musicals.
Marilyn Milian: Marilyn Milian is an American television personality and retired judge. She is best known as the judge on the television show The People’s Court, a role she has held since 2001.
Marilyn Quayle: Marilyn Quayle is an American lawyer and author who served as the Second Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993, during the administration of President George H. W. Bush. She is also the wife of former Vice President Dan Quayle.
Marilyn Scott: Marilyn Scott is an American jazz singer who has released many albums since the 1970s. She is known for her smooth voice and has collaborated with many famous musicians, including George Duke and Bobby McFerrin.
Marilyn Wilson-Rutherford: Marilyn Wilson-Rutherford is an American singer and former member of the Beach Boys. She was married to Beach Boys member Brian Wilson from 1964 to 1979 and is the mother of his two daughters.

Overall, the name Marilyn has been used in various cultural references, from Hollywood stars to famous musicians and public figures. Its origins as a blend of the English given names Mary and Lynn have given it a unique and timeless appeal.